Insects found in food at National Games

What can be termed as another disgraceful incident for the National Games organisers, an insect was allegedly found in the meal of volunteers in their dinning hall, adjacent to the Khel Gaon on Friday morning.

An insect was found in the green peas curry during the lunch and it created a flutter of sorts among the hundreds of volunteers who take food in the dinning hall, especially made for them.

"I arrived late for lunch today and was told by my fellow volunteers not to take lunch there as an insect was found in the curry," Swati Verma, a student of the Central University of Jharkhand, said.

The news of the presence of an insect in the meal spread like wildfire at the Sports Complex with the local electronic media rushing to the spot to take stock of the matter.

But when the food control office, which registers the complaints and feedbacks, was contacted they said that no such incident took place.

"We have not received any such complaint," Dr Vijay Singh said.

Faridabad-based Gazal Caterer, who had the contract in the previous edition of the Games in Guwahati in 2007, holds the contract for the food preparations for the athletes, officials and the volunteers in the Games Village this time around here as well.

Rahul Khurana, managing director of the company, ruled out any such incident and said a few people with vested interest were spreading rumours.

"So far we have received the best of feedbacks with quality and hygienic food preparation. But some people are trying to malign our reputation by indulging in such things.

"Let me tell you, we take utmost care in preparing food for about 8000 athletes and officials and 1000 volunteers everyday. The food quality is the same for both volunteers and the athletes but the menu varies depending on the cost factor. Everything is prepared fresh everyday," Khurana said.