The investigation into the recent suspected food poisoning incident at the Student Center cafeteria in Global Campus has revealed partial results. Findings from half of the reported cases suggest that Kyung Hee University (KHU) Cooperatives may be less directly responsible. However, given the current state of cafeteria operations, concerns about hygiene and safety remain.

The Giheung-gu Office’s announcement of the food poisoning investigation results

Background of the Food Poisoning Incident 

Concerns regarding the food poisoning incident first emerged on April 15. On that day, several students posted on Everytime—an anonymous university community application—reporting symptoms after eating dinner at the Student Center cafeteria on April 14. In response, the KHU Cooperatives voluntarily reported these cases to the Giheung-gu Office to assess whether they were responsible. Then, the Sanitary Guidance Team and the Gyeongin Branch of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety took charge of epidemiological investigations, while the Giheung-gu Public Health Center is handling specimen collection and analysis.

Regarding potential causes, the KHU Cooperatives indicat ed that leftover food may have caused the symptoms. They stated, “We served leftover lunch items for free during dinner service. That day was rainy, and the temperature fluctuated more than usual, which could be the source of the issues.” As a result, they have since stopped serving leftover food.

“No Food Poisoning Bacteria Were Detected”

The epidemiological investigation results were released on May 16. The investigation tested samples—including preserved food, cooking utensils, drinking water, and cooking water—regarding the presence of food poisoning bacteria. In the official document, the Sanitary Guidance Team of the Giheung-gu Office stated that all results were negative, concluding that “No food poisoning bacteria were detected.”

In contrast, the specimen analysis results remain inconclusive. The KHU Cooperatives explained, “According to the latest update, nine students volunteered for testing, and two of them were tested positive. However, the public health center hesitates to draw a conclusion due to the small sample size. Since approximately 300 people had dinner that day, two positive test results may not be sufficient to confirm food poisoning.” The General Affair Team (GAT) of KHU also expressed their confusion, stating, “The specimen analysis so far

has shown ambiguous results. At this point, we cannot make any definitive conclusions. All we can do now is to wait for the final results.”

Test Results Do Not Guarantee Safety

Although the results suggest that the KHU Cooperatives was less likely to be responsible for the suspected food poisoning, hygiene related concerns remain due to the current cafeteria conditions. When the test results were released, the KHU Cooperatives explained that facility conditions might cause another hygiene issue. The Student Center building’s rear section has several cracks, which may cause insect infestations. Chunwoo Environment Service Corporation, a company called CESCO specializing in pest control, explained, “This may reduce the effectiveness of our pesticide treatments. Maintaining the building’s structural integrity is the way to prevent insect issues.”

The cooking area showed a similar issue. During an emergency inspection of the cafeteria, inspectors discovered several cracked floor tiles and raised concerns about potential safety and hygiene risks. Although the KHU Cooperatives requested support from the GAT for tile repairs, they were reluctant to provide assistance. This situation indicates that the KHU Cooperatives is solely managing hygiene concerns under these poor conditions. 

Based on the announced results, the food poisoning incident appears less connected to cafeteria operations. However, the current cafeteria conditions suggest that test results alone do not guarantee student safety from hygiene concerns. Improved service consistency and hygiene depend on the KHU community’s engagement with the cafeteria incidents.