A video from Punjab’s Ludhiana has gone viral, showing a street food vendor dipping sealed oil pouches directly into boiling oil while preparing pakode (fritters).
The footage has sparked health concerns,
with many netizens calling the act dangerous, unhygienic, and potentially harmful to health.
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The video was first shared by popular food blogger Harry Uppal on Instagram with the caption, “Come hungry, leave speechless.” It quickly gained traction on Instagram and was widely reposted on X (formerly Twitter), drawing massive public concern.
In the now-viral clip, the vendor is seen placing unopened plastic oil packets directly into the hot oil. As the plastic softens, the packet open on its own and mixes with the hot oil. While the vendor claimed he was doing this to “open the oil packet more easily,” social media users were horrified to see plastic coming into direct contact with food being cooked.
Fears have been raised online about toxic chemicals potentially releasing into the oil, with netizens warning that such practices could pose serious health risks. Many dubbed the dish “microplastic pakode.”
‘Come hungry, Leave With…’: Netizens React
Reacting to the video, one of the users, Charanjit Sidhu made a sarcastic comment, saying, “My friend visited this stall and said the food was delicious. Those were his last words.”
While another user, Omkar, commented, “Pakode now with new plastic flavour.”
A third user, Sawan Kumar, commented, “Come hungry, leave with cancer.”
A few users even tagged health authorities, demanding action.
