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A video claiming to show the cleanest Indian street food has gone viral, racking up nearly 5 million views on X (formerly Twitter). The clip features a street vendor preparing a rose-syrup drink at an unusually clean and organised stall, challenging common perceptions about hygiene in India’s street food scene. The vendor works with minimal direct hand contact and maintains a neat workspace. The Instagram channel Street Food Journey originally posted the video, which has reached nearly 28 million views. The business is identified as Kuluki.

Social Media Divided Over Claims of Clean Food

However, many social media users did not accept the video’s claims. They highlighted that the vendor put his hand inside the glass at the start, raising doubts about the level of cleanliness. Others criticised the vendor for not wearing gloves, arguing that he failed to meet even basic hygiene standards. Several viewers questioned whether genuinely hygienic Indian street food exists. Others urged the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to enforce stricter food safety rules. They argued that India should actively work to improve its global image and raise its food hygiene standards. Viewers also debated the video’s location, with some identifying it as Kochi, Kerala, while others believed it was filmed in Pakistan.

Hygiene Concerns

Experts continue to warn about hygiene issues in Indian street food. Harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella from human and animal waste can easily spread through unwashed hands, raw food, contaminated money, or dirty water. These germs can cause diarrhoea, typhoid, and food poisoning. Medical Channel Asia, in February 2024, highlighted serious health risks from poor hygiene, dirty water, and unsafe cooking practices on India’s streets, warning of threats like cholera. A 2014 report by The Guardian, citing the Public Health Association, found that only 53% of Indians washed their hands with soap after using the toilet, 38% before eating, and just 30% before cooking.

Tips for Safer Street Food

Public health experts recommend these precautions for street food lovers:

• Choose stalls with plenty of customers, which suggests fresher food
• Pick vendors who keep their cooking areas and utensils clean
• Prefer freshly cooked items over raw food to reduce infection risk

The strong reactions to the viral video show how India’s attempts to improve street food hygiene still clash with widespread doubts and cultural habits — a debate that continues to gain momentum across social media and public health circles.

Source: Livemint