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‘Give Expired Food Anyway’: Ex-Zepto Worker Exposes Food Safety Horror

June 23, 2025, 10:28 pm

Once seen as a rising force in India’s quick-commerce boom, Zepto is now under intense scrutiny for alleged food safety violations and unsanitary practices. The controversy reached a tipping point after a former employee publicly detailed disturbing working conditions, prompting widespread concern among users and regulators alike.

FDA Suspends Zepto’s License in Mumbai

Earlier this month, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended Zepto’s food business license at its Dharavi outlet. The move followed an inspection that uncovered expired inventory, fungal growth on food items, improper cold storage, and unhygienic handling conditions.

‘Give It Anyway’: Ex-Employee Claims Expired Food Delivered

Adding fuel to the fire, a former Zepto worker posted a detailed exposé on Reddit, describing systemic negligence within the company. “I worked at Zepto for 3 years and I can’t stay silent anymore,” the anonymous post began.

“Once, a customer ordered Greek yoghurt. We had only three left, all expired. Still, our store in-charge said, ‘Give it anyway.’ People think Zepto is hygienic. It’s not. The reality is disgusting,” the employee wrote.

He alleged that during monsoon season, their Pune store would flood with gutter water, the same location where groceries were packed. “We’ve worked 9+ hours standing in that dirty water without shoes. Many of us fell sick, but no one got medical compensation,” he added.

Fruits and vegetables arrived in rotten condition, and expired products were frequently packed and delivered regardless, the employee claimed.

Public Reactions and Outrage

The Reddit post quickly went viral, with users expressing shock and sharing their own negative experiences with online grocery services. “Blinkit and Bigbasket are way better than shady sites,” one user wrote. Another said, “These apps were supposed to make our lives easier, but they’re doing the opposite.”

As Zepto deals with mounting backlash and regulatory actions, consumer trust in the platform appears to be eroding fast.

Hotpot Horror: Restaurant Refunds 4,100 Customers After Shocking Peeing Incident

March 18, 2025, 10:42 am

A Shanghai restaurant has announced full refunds to over 4,100 customers after a shocking incident involving two intoxicated individuals urinating into a vat of soup went viral on social media. The hotpot chain, Haidilao, took the drastic step to compensate diners and restore trust following the scandal.

Restaurant Apologizes, Issues Full Refunds

The incident, which took place between February 24 and March 8, sparked widespread outrage after a video of the act surfaced on Weibo and other platforms. The footage showed one of the culprits standing on a dining table and urinating into the communal hotpot soup. The individuals involved were later identified as 17-year-old migrant workers.

Haidilao, expressing deep regret over the incident, announced that all customers who dined at the affected outlet during the specified period would receive a full refund. In addition to reimbursing the meal cost, the restaurant pledged to compensate diners with an extra amount equivalent to ten times their original bill.

Hygiene Measures Implemented

To reassure customers, Haidilao confirmed that all utensils had been thoroughly cleaned, and any items linked to the incident were completely replaced. The restaurant emphasized its commitment to hygiene and customer safety, ensuring that such an incident would not be repeated.

The scandal has ignited discussions about restaurant safety and public behavior, with many praising Haidilao’s response while others questioned how such an incident could occur in the first place.

Tirupati Laddoo Case: 4 Dairy Chiefs Arrested

February 10, 2025, 1:33 am

A major breakthrough in the Tirupati laddoo adulteration case has led to the arrest of four top dairy executives. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered a large-scale ghee supply fraud spanning three states—Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

The arrested individuals include:

Bipin Jain and Pomil Jain – Former directors of Bhole Baba Dairy (Roorkee, Uttarakhand)
Apoorva Vinay Kant Chawda – CEO of Vaishnavi Dairy (Poonambakkam, Tamil Nadu)
Raju Rajasekharan – MD of AR Dairy (Dundigal, Telangana)

How the Ghee Adulteration Scam Was Carried Out

The CBI’s special investigation team, set up by the Supreme Court, found deliberate contamination and multiple violations in the supply of ghee used in Tirupati laddoos. Key findings include:

Tender Manipulation:
- Vaishnavi Dairy secured tenders under the name of AR Dairy.
- Fake documents and seals were used to bypass regulations.
Falsified Supply Records:
- Employees of Vaishnavi Dairy forged records, claiming they sourced ghee from Bhole Baba Dairy.
- Bhole Baba Dairy lacked the capacity to produce the required quantities.
Irregularities at Every Step:
- The scam involved fabricated documents, tampered seals, and misrepresented supplies to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

CBI Cracks Down on Dairy Executives

Based on these findings, the CBI arrested the four individuals, ensuring accountability in the fraudulent supply of ghee. The case has raised serious concerns about food safety and religious sanctity.

Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against all involved, and further investigations are underway to trace other participants in the scam.

‘Horror’: Leftover Onions And Chutneys Reused At This Hyderabad Restaurant | WATCH

January 16, 2025, 11:46 am

A viral video shared by Instagram account @foodsafetywar has raised serious concerns over food safety practices at the Hyderabad branch of the popular restaurant, Amritsar Haveli. The video, which quickly gained attention online, claims that the restaurant has been reusing leftover onions and chutneys from one table to another, a practice that has sparked anger and debate among viewers. The footage shows unsanitary conditions in the restaurant’s washing area, with waterlogged spaces and an employee washing dishes, which the content creator describes as “horrific.”

Confrontation With Staff Over Hygiene Practices

In the video, the content creator questions restaurant staff about the reuse of food items. When asked why leftover onions and chutneys were being mixed with unused portions, a waiter initially denies the accusation. However, the situation escalates when the manager admits that vinegar onions are indeed reused. Frustrated by the conflicting statements, the content creator calls out the restaurant for its poor food safety practices and demands to see the dustbin where discarded food is supposedly thrown.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anirudh Gupta (@foodsafetywar)

Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability

The video, which highlights what is claimed to be a lack of hygiene and accountability, sparked widespread outrage on social media. Viewers voiced their disapproval in the comments, with many criticising the restaurant’s practices and questioning food safety standards in India. One user expressed dismay over the situation, commenting on how consumers unknowingly pay for substandard food. Another user criticised the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for its lack of action. As of now, the restaurant has not issued an official statement in response to the allegations.

The video’s caption notes that the observations were based on the creator’s experiences at the time of recording, aiming to raise awareness about food safety. It encourages viewers to verify facts independently.

Listeria Outbreak Tied To Yu Shang Food Claims Infant’s Life, Sickens 10

November 24, 2024, 2:00 am

An infant in California has died, and 10 others have fallen ill due to a listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, Inc., federal health officials confirmed on Friday.

The outbreak, tied to items like chicken feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork hock, has led to the recall of over 72,000 pounds of products by Yu Shang Food, based in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

States Affected and Severity of Illness

Cases have been reported across four states, with nine hospitalizations so far. A pregnant California woman sickened by the outbreak tragically lost her twins, though only one infant was officially included in the case count.

What Consumers Need to Know

Despite the recall initiated on November 9, some contaminated products may still be in households. The CDC advises consumers to:

Discard or return recalled items immediately.
Clean and sanitize refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that came into contact with the products.

What Is Listeria Poisoning?

Listeria poisoning occurs from consuming foods contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms vary from mild, such as:

Fever
Muscle aches
Nausea and diarrhea

To severe:

Headache
Stiff neck
Confusion
Loss of balance and convulsions

High-risk groups include:

Pregnant women
Infants
People aged 65+
Those with weakened immune systems

Symptoms may appear quickly or take up to three months after exposure.

A Broader Concern

This outbreak follows a similar listeria incident earlier this year involving Boar’s Head deli meats, which killed 10 people and sickened dozens.

Food safety experts stress the importance of proper handling and vigilance to prevent such tragedies in the future.

E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Bagged Carrots Leaves 1 Dead, Dozens Sick

November 18, 2024, 3:36 am

A deadly outbreak of E. coli has been traced to bagged organic carrots, leaving one person dead and 39 others infected across 18 U.S. states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 15 people required hospitalization.

Products Recalled by Grimmway Farms

The outbreak has been linked to organic whole and baby carrots distributed by Grimmway Farms, based in Bakersfield, California. The recalled products were sold under various brand names, including:

– 365
– Cal-Organic
– Nature’s Promise
– O-Organics
– Trader Joe’s
– Wegmans

The carrots, which are no longer available in stores, had best-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

CDC Warning: Check Your Fridge

The CDC urges consumers to check their refrigerators and dispose of any bagged organic carrots fitting the recall description. Although the products have been pulled from shelves, they may still be in homes.

Symptoms and Risks of E. Coli

E. coli infection symptoms typically appear 3-4 days after exposure and include:

– Severe stomach cramps
– Bloody diarrhea
– Vomiting

While most people recover within a week, the infection can be severe or fatal for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider of recent food consumption.

Recent E. Coli Outbreaks Highlight Food Safety Concerns

This outbreak is the latest in a series of E. coli incidents. Recent cases include:

– McDonald’s Slivered Onions: Over 100 sickened in October.
– Lettuce in the UK: Linked to 275 infections and one death in June.
– Organic Walnuts in the U.S.: Caused E. coli infections in 19 states in April.

Despite these events, experts maintain that the overall food supply remains safe. However, they acknowledge the need for more progress in reducing E. coli infections.

Delhi Man Finds Live Centipede in Meal at IRCTC VIP Lounge, Sparks Outrage Over Food Safety

October 22, 2024, 2:36 pm

A shocking dining experience at the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation’s (IRCTC) VIP Executive Lounge has sparked outrage after a Delhi man discovered a live centipede in his food. Aaraynsh Singh took to social media platform X to express his disgust, sharing a disturbing photo of the centipede floating in his ‘raita’. His post has brought widespread attention to the food safety standards on Indian Railways.

Yes, for sure, Indian Railway food quality has improved, now they are serving raita with more protein. https://t.co/YKtUQt7roZ pic.twitter.com/FpJVIKOhBC

— Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) October 21, 2024

Mr. Singh sarcastically captioned the post, “Yes, for sure, Indian Railway food quality has improved, now they are serving raita with more protein,” debunking claims of improved food quality on the railway service. He emphasized that if such an incident can occur in a VIP Executive Lounge, it raises serious concerns about food hygiene in regular trains and pantry cars.

People are crazy. I found a live insect in the food served at one of the IRCTC lounges. I stood up and told everyone to check their food, Everyone came to see it, got angry on administration about the unhygienic conditions, and then went back to eating the same food! ??

— Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) October 21, 2024

“This incident happened in one of the IRCTC VIP Executive Lounges, so you can imagine the quality in regular trains or pantry cars,” Mr. Singh stated, further recounting how he warned fellow passengers after discovering the centipede, only to be ignored by many—highlighting a worrying lack of concern for food safety.

IRCTC’s Response and Public Outrage

Following the viral post, IRCTC responded swiftly. Through its official X account, the corporation expressed regret for the inconvenience and requested Mr. Singh’s booking details to investigate the matter further. “Sir, inconvenience regretted. Kindly share receipt/booking details, station name along with mobile no for immediate action,” IRCTC wrote.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with internet users calling for urgent improvements in the food quality and hygiene standards across Indian Railways. Several users echoed Mr. Singh’s concerns, urging for stricter regulations and more accountability.

Public Reactions

One user commented, “No wonder parents always carried their own food & never had anything from the pantry,” while another highlighted broader hygiene issues, stating, “The main issue is passenger hygiene! Food waste is left on the floor! This is then washed with a water jet…attracts all kinds of pests!”

A third user warned of health risks, saying, “People need to be really careful while consuming their food or it can lead to severe health issues.” Others expressed disgust over the incident, with one remarking, “Oh god that’s so sick. I would have puked.”

The incident has reignited discussions around food safety protocols on Indian Railways, and many passengers are now calling for stricter enforcement of hygiene standards in trains and railway lounges.

Golgappa Vendors Spice Things Up By Adding Harpic And Urea, Police Say No Thanks

October 21, 2024, 5:43 pm

A viral social media video shows two men kneading golgappa dough with their bare feet, causing outrage. The incident occurred in Garhwa district, Jharkhand. During the police investigation, the men confessed to mixing toilet cleaner Harpic and urea fertilizer into the dough to enhance flavor. Authorities have detained the shopkeepers, sealed the establishment, and investigations are ongoing.

In the footage, the men are seen working the dough with their feet, while packaged golgappas are visible around them. The video quickly incited anger and disgust on X, prompting local residents from Nagar Panchayat market to confront the two individuals and alert the authorities, according to media reports.

After police detained the shop owners, they admitted to using toilet cleaner and fertilizer. A suspicious white solid, resembling alum, was also found during the investigation and has been sent for testing.

One of the suspects, Yadav, claimed the video was recorded and shared by his relatives due to a family dispute as a form of revenge.

Rats Devour Sweets, Scurry Over Laddoos in Delhi Shop; Video Goes Viral

October 6, 2024, 1:20 pm

A shocking incident has been reported at Aggarwal Sweets in Delhi’s Bhajanpura area, where rats were seen feasting on sweets displayed for sale. This unsettling scene, captured in a video at the shop located at Khajoori Chowk, has sparked concerns about hygiene.

Disturbing Lack of Hygiene

The footage reveals rats freely jumping and nibbling on sweets stored inside glass display cases, all while customers continued purchasing items. Shockingly, a staff member stands near the case but takes no action to address the unsanitary situation. The video highlights a troubling disregard for food safety practices at the shop, raising questions about whether patrons were aware of the unhygienic conditions.

Watch:

दिल्ली,
अग्रवाल स्वीट्स की मिठाइयों में दौड़ते दिखे चूहे

अग्रवाल स्वीट्स, खजूरी चौक भजनपुरा का बताया जा रहा है वीडियो, सोशल मीडिया पर हुआ वायरल pic.twitter.com/1QWCDvRoqd

— Amit Batra (@AmitBat83705390) October 5, 2024

However, the authenticity of the video has not been completely verified by The Daily Guardian.

Similar Incident

This incident is not an isolated case. In September, another alarming event occurred when a man in Ghaziabad claimed to find a frog leg in a samosa purchased from Bikaner Sweets. The discovery was also recorded on video, leading to public outrage and confrontations with shop staff.

Public Reactions On The Internet

The video from Aggarwal Sweets has ignited widespread concern on social media about food safety standards in Delhi’s eateries. Many users expressed their disgust and called for stricter regulations to prevent such unhygienic practices. Concerns over potential health risks were raised, with demands for authorities to take immediate action against food establishments that fail to meet hygiene standards.

Woman Finds Tooth In Supermarket-Bought Mooncake, Investigation Launched

September 15, 2024, 6:35 pm

Sam’s Club, the US supermarket giant, is under investigation after a customer found a human tooth inside a mooncake purchased from one of their stores in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, China. The incident was first brought to light when the woman shared a video on Douyin, revealing the tooth embedded in the 30-yuan (US$4) meat-filled mooncake.

According to the woman, the tooth did not belong to any of her family members, prompting her to report the case to the police. A Sam’s Club employee in Changzhou confirmed that the company had launched an investigation.

The manufacturer of the mooncake, however, expressed disbelief. Speaking to Hongxing News, a spokesperson, Liu, explained, “It is impossible for a tooth to have been mixed into the meat filling,” since the meat is thoroughly minced and inspected by an X-ray system designed to detect bone fragments. Liu also stated that no similar incidents had occurred in over ten years.

In response, the manufacturer shared security footage with Sam’s Club and the local market regulation department, who are also investigating the matter. The Changzhou government department has confirmed that they are involved in the ongoing inquiry.

In a similar, earlier incident, an Indian woman, Mayadevi Gupta from Madhya Pradesh, discovered four dentures hidden inside a chocolate she had received at a child’s birthday party. Gupta told India Today, “I got a coffee-flavoured chocolate of a popular brand. After eating it, I felt something crunchy. Upon further inspection, I realized it was a set of false teeth.” She later filed a complaint with the district food and drug department in Khargone.

Frog Leg In Samosa Found In Ghaziabad Sweet Shop | Watch

September 12, 2024, 4:31 pm

Food safety in India is facing serious scrutiny following numerous contamination cases reported on social media. An alarming incident has emerged from a sweet shop in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. A customer discovered a frog leg inside a samosa purchased from Bikaner Sweets. The shopkeeper has been arrested, and an investigation is in progress.

A video circulating online shows the frog leg found in the samosa and the shop where it was bought. The video also depicts customers approaching the receptionist with the contaminated samosa, and one person can be heard calling the police helpline, 100.

Watch:

गाजियाबाद, UP में समोसे के अंदर मेंढक की टांग निकली है। मामला बीकानेर स्वीट्स का है। पुलिस ने दुकानदार को कस्टडी में लिया। फूड विभाग ने सैंपल जांच को भेजे। pic.twitter.com/SBcsEs8nMr

— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) September 12, 2024

Reactions to the video have been mixed, with many expressing concern:

“The incident of finding frog legs in samosas at Bikaner Sweets in Ghaziabad is extremely worrying. Strict action should be taken against such incidents to ensure food safety,” stated one individual.

Another commented, “The situation is very bad; people do not maintain cleanliness.”

A third person added, “Many similar cases have occurred before; action should be taken.”

A fourth remarked, “No one preparing or serving food at these shops wears shower caps, and everyone has very long nails. Health and hygiene are absolutely zero. Homemade food is the best.”

Chennai Restaurant Penalized For Selling Roach-Infested Sweet

August 5, 2024, 4:06 pm

A restaurant in Chennai has been penalized for selling sweets infested with cockroaches, highlighting a serious health violation in the city’s food industry.

Incident Details

Health officials in Chennai conducted an inspection at a local restaurant following complaints from customers. During the inspection, they discovered that sweets being sold were infested with cockroaches. This finding led to immediate action against the establishment.

Penalties and Actions

The restaurant has been fined and ordered to improve its hygiene standards. Health authorities have warned that failure to comply with regulations will result in more severe penalties, including potential closure.

Public Reaction

The incident has raised concerns among Chennai residents about food safety and hygiene in local eateries. Many are calling for stricter enforcement of health regulations to ensure food quality and safety across the city.

Official Statement

Local health authorities have emphasized their commitment to ensuring public safety by regularly inspecting food establishments and enforcing hygiene standards. They urge the public to report any concerns about food safety to help maintain high standards in the industry.

Dead Rat Found in Sambar at Ahmedabad Restaurant, Watch Viral Video

June 21, 2024, 1:28 pm

The city of Ahmedabad was rattled by another shocking incident involving food safety, as a customer at Devi Dosa restaurant in Nikol discovered a dead rat in their bowl of sambar. The distressing incident, which has sparked outrage and concern among residents, prompted swift action from authorities.

Upon receiving the complaint, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) Health Department issued a notice to the restaurant’s owner, citing serious violations of health and hygiene standards. Bhavin Joshi, Food Safety Officer at AMC, emphasized the need for stringent measures in food preparation to prevent such incidents in the future.

“The video of the customer showing the dead rat swimming in the sambar has gone viral on the internet, earning a lot of views,” Joshi remarked, underscoring the widespread attention and public outcry over the incident.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ahmedabad Updates (@ahmedabad.updates)

Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions, with many expressing outrage and demanding accountability from food regulatory authorities. “Please I request food and drug department don’t take money under the table and don’t approve such hotels,” commented a concerned citizen on social media.

This unsettling discovery at Devi Dosa restaurant adds to a series of recent bizarre incidents involving food items across India. Earlier, a doctor in Mumbai found a human finger in ice cream ordered online, while in Noida, a woman discovered a centipede in a tub of ice cream purchased from an online platform.

As investigations unfold and public scrutiny mounts, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of food safety regulations and rigorous inspections to safeguard public health.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging strict adherence to food safety protocols and swift action against any lapses that endanger consumer well-being.

Stay tuned for further developments as authorities investigate the matter and ensure accountability in food service establishments across Ahmedabad.

Viral: Dead Mouse Found Inside Hershey’s Syrup

June 19, 2024, 12:09 pm

A few days after a Mumbai-based doctor discovered a human finger in an ice cream cone ordered online, a video has surfaced showing a family finding a dead mouse in a bottle of Hershey’s chocolate syrup purchased from the quick-commerce company Zepto. The video also reveals hair coming out of the bottle.

Prami Sridhar shared the video on Instagram, stating that three family members had consumed the contaminated syrup before realizing there was an issue. One of them had to undergo a medical examination. “We ordered Hershey chocolate syrup from Zepto, to eat with brownie cakes, we started by pouring with cakes. caught small hair continuously. decided to open. The opening was sealed and intact. we opened and poured into disposable glass a thick and hard consistency of death (dead) rat dropped down. by washing in running water for reconfirmation. It’s a death (dead) rat,” she wrote on Instagram, accompanying the video.

Watch The Viral Video:

The viral video shows the family emptying the bottle into a cup. As the video progresses, they notice something unusual in the chocolate syrup. To investigate further, they run it under tap water, discovering it is a dead mouse.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Prami Sridhar (@pramisridhar)

Following the video going viral, Hershey’s responded, saying, “Hi there, we are very sorry to see this. Please send us the UPC and manufacturing code from the bottle to [email protected] with the reference number 11082163 so one of our team members can assist you!”

In her post, Sridhar mentioned that the family tried to file a complaint with the company––without specifying if it was Zepto or Hershey’s––but received no response. She also noted that a girl who consumed the syrup fainted and had to be taken to a hospital but is now “alright.”

Sridhar concluded her post by advising people to check products before giving them to children. “This is extremely concerning and unacceptable. We worried about the health risks and the lack of quality control,” she wrote, demanding a “full investigation” and “assurance that this will not happen again.”

In other news, a Bengaluru couple received a cobra with their Amazon package. The viral video showed the snake wriggling as it was stuck to the black tape.