Key Update

Street food enjoys immense popularity across India, but hygiene concerns often bring it under scrutiny. A viral video from Ghaziabad has once again raised serious questions about food safety practices at local food stalls. The video, now widely circulating on social media, allegedly shows unhygienic food preparation at a popular street food outlet in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Reports identify the location as Krishna Chaat Bhandar in the Loni area of Ankur Vihar. In the footage, a man wearing everyday slippers stands inside a large utensil and washes potatoes with his feet outside the shop during night hours. The video quickly spread online and sparked outrage among residents and social media users.

Customer Records and Confronts Vendor

According to reports, a customer recorded the video and confronted the vendor while filming. The person recording accused the vendor of misleading customers and described the act as disgusting and shameful. In the clip, a woman says the stall is well known for its aloo tikki chaat. She adds that her mother often eats from the shop and says she recorded the video to show how the potatoes used for the dish were being cleaned.

Probe Launched by Authorities

The viral video soon drew the attention of authorities. Reports suggest that workers often carry out such cleaning practices late at night. After the video went viral, someone reportedly filed a complaint with the police, prompting them to begin a probe into the matter. The stall reportedly attracts nearly 500 customers daily for popular items such as chaat and aloo tikki, which has raised concerns about public health and food safety.

Social Media Reacts Strongly

The video also triggered strong reactions on social media. Many users criticised the act and called it highly unhygienic and disturbing. One user wrote that the vendor appeared to be “dancing on the potatoes with slippers,” questioning how people still describe such food as the “authentic taste.” Another user expressed shock that the vendor handled food while wearing slippers and noted that many people often recommend such stalls to friends for their unique taste. However, some users defended the practice. They argued that raw potatoes often carry large amounts of mud and dirt and suggested that the vendor might wash them again by hand before boiling.

Food Safety Concerns

Food safety experts warn that washing food with feet or footwear can introduce dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. Such practices increase the risk of foodborne illnesses and highlight the need for better hygiene awareness and stricter food safety practices in the street food sector.

Source: Zee News