Key Update 

A viral video circulating on social media has sparked fresh concerns about food safety standards in small-scale manufacturing units. The clip claims to show the inside of a poha packaging facility, revealing conditions that sharply contrast with the clean, sealed packets seen on grocery shelves. At first glance, the finished product appears no different from the neatly packed flattened rice available in stores. However, the footage from inside the unit presents a troubling picture.

Poha Spread on Floor, Handled Without Protection

The video shows a large heap of poha spread directly on the floor of what appears to be a small factory. Two men sit amid the pile, handling the flattened rice with bare hands. One worker scoops the poha into empty green plastic packets, while flakes cling to his clothes as he works. Another man operates a sealing machine, closing each packet after filling.

The workers do not wear gloves, hair nets, or face masks. The poha lies directly on the ground, without trays, tarpaulins, or raised platforms. A weighing scale placed nearby appears to measure portions before sealing. Around them, dozens of filled packets are stacked and ready for distribution.

Public Reaction and Regulatory Questions

The stark contrast between the clean-looking outer packaging and the apparent lack of hygiene inside the poha packaging unit has unsettled many viewers. Social media users have questioned whether routine inspections are being conducted and how such practices meet safety standards.

Although authorities have not confirmed the exact location or licensing status of the facility, the video has intensified public debate over food safety enforcement. Several users have tagged the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), urging the regulator to investigate the matter and strengthen monitoring mechanisms.

Renewed Focus on Food Safety Enforcement

The incident highlights the need for strict hygiene practices, proper supervision, and regular inspections in food processing units. Ensuring compliance with safety norms remains critical to protecting consumer health and maintaining trust in packaged food products.

Source: India Today