TCD'S CATERING operation received the attentions of Eastern Health Board inspectors his recently after a student found pre packed sandwich included at least one unwelcome ingredient: a worm.

The unfortunate student was tucking into his sarnie when the wriggly hermaphrodite made its presence felt, causing the student abruptly to reconsider his dietary requirements.

A complaint was made to the students' union, which last week advised students not to eat prepacked food from the catering department until assurances were received that preparation standards were adequate.

TCD's catering manager, Eugene McGovern, said the incident concerning "an item" found in food happened some time ago and that the complaint had been "badly handled".

He described it as an "unusual event" in the catering service and said the catering department has, and continues to have, a large and important hygiene policy.

A spokesman for the Eastern Health Board said TCD's catering facility had been visited by inspectors this year, but declined to comment further.