A shocking video capturing rats crawling over ingredient trays at a well-known Sweet Shop in Lucknow has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage among customers and the general public. The disturbing footage has raised serious questions about hygiene and food safety standards in local eateries, especially during the festive season when the demand for sweets soars.
The viral video, reportedly shot late at night by a concerned passerby, shows rats scurrying across open trays filled with ingredients used in Sweet Shop preparation sweets—believed to be khoya, sugar, and other raw materials. The trays were left uncovered on the floor of what appears to be the Sweet Shop’s storage or preparation area. In the video, the rodents can be seen freely feasting on the food, without any visible efforts to prevent such contamination.
The incident reportedly occurred at a branch of the popular ” Sweets shop” chain located in central Lucknow, though the Sweet Shop’s name has not been officially confirmed by authorities. As soon as the footage surfaced online, it was met with an immediate backlash from social media users, many of whom expressed anger and disgust.
Authorities Respond as Public Outrage Grows Over Food Safety Violations at Lucknow Sweet Shop
“This is horrifying! We trust these places for quality, and this is what’s going on behind the scenes?” tweeted one user. Another wrote, “The food department must take strict action. This is a serious public health risk.”
Public health officials and the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) of Uttar Pradesh have taken cognizance of the video. A team was dispatched to inspect the premises soon after the clip began circulating. Preliminary findings reportedly confirm the presence of unsanitary conditions, and samples of sweets and raw ingredients have been sent for laboratory testing.
VV Pura food street lovers you might not have noticed it yet but rats and cockroaches are common there https://t.co/rUdTUJldDS
— ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ | Abhishek (ಕನ್ನಡ ದೇಶ ಗೆಲ್ಗೆ) (@abhispake) July 31, 2025
“We have initiated a formal investigation into the matter,” said an FSDA spokesperson. “If found guilty of violating hygiene and safety protocols, the establishment will face strict penalties, including temporary closure and fines.”
Meanwhile, consumer rights groups and local residents have demanded stricter oversight of food establishments, particularly those dealing with perishable items like sweets and dairy-based products. Many have emphasized the need for random hygiene audits and harsher punishments for non-compliance.
As the (Sweets shop under fire )video continues to circulate, it has also prompted several individuals to share similar experiences and raise broader concerns about food safety in eateries across the city. Some social media users even tagged local and state authorities, calling for swift action and accountability.
Despite mounting criticism, the Sweet Shop management has remained largely silent on the issue, with no official statement released at the time of writing. However, sources suggest that the staff may have attempted to clean the premises hastily following the inspection.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining strict hygiene standards in food preparation areas. In a country where festive sweets are not just food but a part of cultural celebrations, such negligence can lead to not only loss of public trust but also serious health consequences.
