University of Cape Town responds after students find flies and expired yoghurt in residences
Students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) have been left with a bad taste in their mouths after photos surfaced online showing flies in meals and expired yoghurt being served at residence dining halls.
Images shared by students this week show a dead fly floating in what appears to be a portion of stew served to a student, while another shows a tub of yoghurt stamped with a sell-by date that had already passed.
The yoghurt expired on May 30.
The images sparked outrage among students, who said the quality and hygiene of meals in residences have deteriorated.
IOL shared the images with UCT.
UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola said the university had noted the catering concerns “with deep concern” and that the relevant departments were “attending to the issues as a matter of urgency”.
“UCT remains committed to maintaining high standards of food safety,” Moholola said.
He said the university outlined several existing measures meant to ensure food quality and safety, including clear reporting structures.
“This also includes standard investigation processes, strict menu specifications, brand requirements for suppliers, ongoing staff training, and independent food safety audits,” he said.
Earlier this year, Moholola said, an independent food safety audit found that all UCT residences scored above 80% for hygiene and food handling.
Scores ranged from 96.16% at Leo Marquard residence to 80.68% at Medical Residence.
Moholola said additional steps had also been introduced in recent months to improve oversight and accountability.
These include increased pest control measures, improved waste management, and a switch to more effective pesticides in dining areas.
He said food service controllers and supervisors were now on duty daily to handle complaints, and students can report issues through an online feature on the Pay & Connect app or via a dedicated email address.
Moholola said the university has committed to resolving escalated matters within seven days.
“UCT remains committed to addressing any catering-related concerns promptly to ensure that catering in UCT residences meets the highest standards,” he said.
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