The Department of Police Services reported that 40 to 50 students from various fraternal and sorority groups participated in a food fight in the Sierra Quad area late Tuesday and early this morning.

Lynn Wiegers, executive director of Physical Plant Management (PPM), said they were alerted by commotion on the lawn in front of the Oviatt Library between 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.  It appeared that the individuals were engaged in a raw egg fight and had a shopping cart filled with shaving cream, cooking oil, cans of dog food, mayonnaise, chocolate sauce and honey.

Custodians began the cleaning process around 1:30 a.m., Wiegers said. He added that five to six pressure washers were deployed to clean the walkway in front of the library and the lawn area and 58 trash bags were hauled away.

Wiegers said he estimates that 150 to 175 hours of resources were diverted for clean up and estimates damages run between $4,000 and $5,000.

Marianne Afifi, associate dean of the Oviatt Library said she was not aware of any damage to the library.

Jamison Keller, activities director for fraternities and sororities, could not be reached for comment.

CSUN police detained and released five students, said Christina Villalobos, special assistant to the chief of police and public information officer. She added the investigation is ongoing.