News / Local
Food poisoning scare hits NUST
07 May 2014 at 08:10hrs | Views
ABOUT four cases of food poisoning have been recorded at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) where many students buy home-cooked food from vendors operating at an open space outside the institution's main gate.
On a daily basis, scores of Nust students are seen outside the institution queuing at different points to buy food.
The food on offer includes rice and chicken, rice and beef stew, sadza and beef stew and sadza and chicken all priced at $1 a plate. Prices range from $1 to $1,50 at Nust's canteen, but the portions are smaller.
Nust Student Representative Council president Lucky Muza yesterday said a health crisis was looming at the institution as they have already received cases of suspected food poisoning.
"We have received about three to four cases of food poisoning and I suspect the numbers could be even more as not everyone reports their case," he said.
Muza said students were in danger as they compromised quality for quantity.
He said the sprouting of unlicensed food outlets may be a result of the absence of a reliable shopping mall within Nust premises.
"Nust is doing its best in its limitations but the government has a mandate to prioritise completion of the construction of the university," said Muza.
He appealed to council to take action against those selling the food.
Nust's director of information and public relations Felix Moyo said the city council was the best to comment on the issue.
He added that the institution had no jurisdiction over anything that happens outside their premises.
The city's Mayor Councillor Martin Moyo said council did not know about the issue and it will carry out investigations.
"No one is allowed to operate a food outlet without a licence because their premises should be inspected before a licence is awarded. Otherwise, thanks for the information we will investigate and take appropriate action," he said.
A Chronicle news crew yesterday managed to talk to some of the students who buy their food from the open area and they defended themselves and the food outlets.
"The food is cheaper, better cooked than that sold in the canteens inside campus. It is worth the risk," said a student, Don Ndlovu.
One of the vendors dismissed the health scare and added that if there were any risks students would not be buying for their food.
"If there are any health concerns the students are free to go buy food from the canteens inside the school. We are not forcing them to buy," said the vendor.
Another vendor who identified herself as MaMoyo said she brings her food all the way from Entumbane in 20 litre buckets.
On a daily basis, scores of Nust students are seen outside the institution queuing at different points to buy food.
The food on offer includes rice and chicken, rice and beef stew, sadza and beef stew and sadza and chicken all priced at $1 a plate. Prices range from $1 to $1,50 at Nust's canteen, but the portions are smaller.
Nust Student Representative Council president Lucky Muza yesterday said a health crisis was looming at the institution as they have already received cases of suspected food poisoning.
"We have received about three to four cases of food poisoning and I suspect the numbers could be even more as not everyone reports their case," he said.
Muza said students were in danger as they compromised quality for quantity.
He said the sprouting of unlicensed food outlets may be a result of the absence of a reliable shopping mall within Nust premises.
"Nust is doing its best in its limitations but the government has a mandate to prioritise completion of the construction of the university," said Muza.
He appealed to council to take action against those selling the food.
Nust's director of information and public relations Felix Moyo said the city council was the best to comment on the issue.
He added that the institution had no jurisdiction over anything that happens outside their premises.
The city's Mayor Councillor Martin Moyo said council did not know about the issue and it will carry out investigations.
"No one is allowed to operate a food outlet without a licence because their premises should be inspected before a licence is awarded. Otherwise, thanks for the information we will investigate and take appropriate action," he said.
A Chronicle news crew yesterday managed to talk to some of the students who buy their food from the open area and they defended themselves and the food outlets.
"The food is cheaper, better cooked than that sold in the canteens inside campus. It is worth the risk," said a student, Don Ndlovu.
One of the vendors dismissed the health scare and added that if there were any risks students would not be buying for their food.
"If there are any health concerns the students are free to go buy food from the canteens inside the school. We are not forcing them to buy," said the vendor.
Another vendor who identified herself as MaMoyo said she brings her food all the way from Entumbane in 20 litre buckets.
Source - chronicle
