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A Ghazipur–Varanasi highway dhaba has been sealed after a viral video showed a dead rat in curd. Authorities cite unhygienic conditions, while social media users demand stricter food safety checks at roadside eateries.
Viral video sparks public outrage and social media criticism.
Ghazipur: A shocking video from Samrat Dhaba, located opposite Rahi Hotel on the Ghazipur–Varanasi National Highway, has gone viral after a customer reportedly found a dead rat in his plate of curd. The man, from Muhammadabad tehsil, immediately recorded the scene and shared it online, prompting widespread anger over the cleanliness and food safety practices at highway eateries. The footage shows the curd with the rat floating inside and also captures the dhaba’s kitchen and staff preparing food.
In response to the viral video, Joint Director of Food Safety R K Pandey conducted a surprise inspection of Samrat Dhaba along with his team. Officials reported extremely unhygienic conditions, improper food storage, and unsanitary kitchen practices. Following the inspection, the dhaba was sealed and prohibited from selling or preparing food until further notice. Ghazipur Kotwali police inspector Mahendra Singh confirmed the inspection but clarified that no formal police complaint has been filed.
The video sparked a wave of anger online, with social media users criticizing the unhygienic practices of roadside eateries. Many commented on the lack of proper supervision and the apparent disregard for food safety standards at highway dhabas. Users highlighted that such unhygienic conditions are common in high-traffic roadside restaurants and warned that incidents like this were bound to occur without stricter monitoring.
यूपी के गाजीपुर में ढाबे पर खाने खाने के दौरान दही भल्ले की प्लेट में निकला मारा चूहा..!
गाजीपुर-वाराणसी हाईवे स्थित मशहूर सम्राट ढाबे में दही की प्लेट में मरा चूहा मिलने से हड़कंप मच गया। ग्राहकों ने वीडियो बनाकर सोशल मीडिया पर वायरल किया।
शिकायत मिलते ही FSDA की टीम ने छापा… pic.twitter.com/inIU8e7kS1
— Rahul Saini (@JtrahulSaini) December 19, 2025
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The incident has reignited discussions about food safety standards in India, particularly at roadside dhabas. Critics argue that regular inspections and strict hygiene enforcement are essential to prevent contamination and protect public health. Authorities have been urged to take action not just in this case but across other highway eateries to ensure that food is prepared and served safely.
Adding to public anger, reports suggest that the dhaba owner attempted to downplay the incident by offering customers a “don’t pay the bill” deal. This move was widely criticized, with authorities emphasizing that no compromise would be made on hygiene violations. The ban on the dhaba will remain in effect until conditions improve and food safety standards are met.
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The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety, hygiene, and proper regulatory oversight, especially in establishments serving large numbers of travelers. It also highlights the power of social media in bringing such issues to public attention and pressuring authorities to act.
