Viral Video Raises Food Safety Concerns Over Poha Packaging Practices

Delhi: A video purportedly showing unhygienic packaging practices at a poha processing unit has sparked widespread concern online, prompting renewed debate about food safety standards and regulatory oversight in small-scale manufacturing units.

The clip, which began circulating on February 18 and has since garnered more than 200,000 views, appears to show flattened rice (poha) being packed in what viewers described as unsanitary conditions. The visuals have triggered calls for intervention by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and other regulatory bodies.

The packaging may look premium and appealing, giving the impression of high-quality poha. However, the extremely unhygienic way in which it is being packed is deeply disturbing.
Where is our food safety authority, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and where… pic.twitter.com/dpHMEXw80G

— The Nalanda Index (@Nalanda_index) February 18, 2026

Footage Shows Manual Handling on Open Floor

The video opens inside what appears to be a storage or factory space, with large white sacks stacked in the background and a substantial heap of poha spread directly across the floor.

Two men are seen sitting on the pile while manually filling green printed plastic packets with bare hands. One man, wearing a light-coloured T-shirt, is shown scooping the poha and placing it into empty packets. Beside him, another worker in a blue shirt operates a small sealing machine, closing each packet after it is filled. A weighing scale is visible nearby, seemingly used to measure quantities prior to sealing.

No gloves, hairnets, or protective masks are visible in the footage. The poha appears to be spread openly without trays, raised platforms, or protective coverings. Small pieces of flattened rice can be seen adhering to the workers’ clothing as they continue the packing process.

The clip concludes with stacks of sealed green packets arranged in large quantities, presenting a clean and visually appealing exterior packaging—contrasting sharply with the conditions depicted during the packing stage.

Public Reaction and Regulatory Questions

The video’s caption criticised the apparent lack of hygiene, questioning the role of food safety authorities and highlighting concerns about consumer health. Online users echoed these sentiments, with many calling for a formal investigation and stricter enforcement of food handling regulations.

Several commenters pointed out that FSSAI guidelines mandate safe handling practices to prevent contamination and reduce health risks, including gastrointestinal infections. Others raised broader concerns about quality control in unregulated or small-scale food production units.

At the time of writing, there has been no official confirmation regarding the location of the unit shown in the video, nor any public statement from regulatory authorities regarding the footage.

Separate Case in Hyderabad Under Scrutiny

In a separate development, a retail outlet of Haldiram's in Attapur, Hyderabad, has come under scrutiny following customer complaints alleging that certain sweets and packaged items were either expired or lacked clear manufacturing and expiry dates.

Videos circulating online allegedly showed products with unclear labelling and visible spoilage. Following the complaints, Attapur Police registered a case and collected samples for forensic examination. Food Safety officials are expected to conduct inspections as part of the ongoing investigation.

No official findings have yet been released in connection with the Hyderabad case.

Growing Consumer Anxiety

Together, these incidents have intensified public discourse around food safety compliance, particularly in the context of packaged and ready-to-eat products. As online platforms amplify such footage, consumer awareness and regulatory accountability remain central to the broader conversation on public health standards.