Viral video raises food safety concerns in Patiala

Viral clip alleges cabbage picked from a garbage heap was cleaned and used by a Chinese fast-food vendor

Patiala, September 2

A video from Patiala’s Sanaur vegetable market has gone viral on social media, with the person recording it alleging that a Chinese fast-food vendor was collecting cabbage from a garbage heap, cleaning it and storing it in a bag for use in food items.

According to the person who recorded the video, the vendor operates a Chinese fast-food cart in the Leela Bhawan area of Patiala. The video purportedly shows the individual picking cabbage from a pile of waste and cleaning it before placing it in a bag.

The person filming the video further claimed that the same cabbage was subsequently used in food prepared and sold to customers. The allegation has raised concerns over the hygiene practices followed by some street-food vendors and the possible risks to public health.

The video has prompted questions over whether food ingredients being used by roadside vendors are being stored and handled in accordance with basic hygiene and food-safety requirements.

However, the allegations made in the video could not be independently verified from the available information. It is also not clear whether any food-safety or municipal authority has inspected the vendor or taken action following the circulation of the video.

The incident has once again brought attention to concerns surrounding food hygiene at roadside eateries and fast-food carts. Such establishments serve a large number of customers, making proper sourcing, storage, cleaning, and handling of ingredients important for preventing potential health risks.

The viral video has also renewed questions about monitoring and enforcement mechanisms for street-food vendors and whether regular inspections are being carried out to ensure compliance with food-safety standards.