Vendor urinates, returns to serve popcorn: Thane video sparks outrage

A video from Thane is going viral and is getting a lot of attention on social media. It has once again brought street food hygiene into focus and started a fresh discussion among people.Street food is a part of everyday life for many, but this clip has made people stop and think about how food is being handled. The video, shared by a Mumbai-based resident, is now being widely discussed for the concerns it raises.The video was recorded by Sabyasachi Das from his building. In the clip, a street vendor is seen near the roadside and then returning to his popcorn stall. As the video continues, Das explains what he is observing. He says, “Brother, just take a look at this person here. To begin with, he's peeing on the side of the road, right beneath my building, but let's just let that slide; let's ignore that part entirely.”He then adds, “Now, watch what he does next: he just finished peeing, and without washing his hands or anything, he walked straight over to that popcorn stall, because he is the owner of that very stall.”He further says, “I thought he might at least wash his hands, but he didn't bother.”According to the narration, the vendor then began serving popcorn soon after returning.The video has raised concerns about basic cleanliness, especially when it comes to food being handled in public places. The person who recorded the clip also questioned a common belief about supporting roadside vendors.He says, “People often say you should buy from these poor folks instead of expensive shops, but what about the hygiene?”The caption shared along with the video also highlighted the issue. It read, “Civic sense matters. A street vendor urinating in public and then handling food without washing hands is a serious hygiene concern. This should never happen. Clean habits protect everyone.”After the video went viral, many users shared their views and experiences.One user commented, “Boycott all outside road food.”Another wrote, “90% of people do not wash their hands; see, in a public toilet you will know, and you don't feel ashamed.”A third user shared a personal experience, saying, “Yesterday I went to buy parathas from a woman's shop. Then I noticed that the same cloth she was using to clean the tawa, she used that to wipe the table as well. With that very cloth, she even picked up a spider and threw it away. After seeing that, I told her, 'Didi, I'll be back in a moment,' but I never returned.”Disclaimer: This article is based on a video shared on social media. The claims and details mentioned have not been independently verified, and the incident is presented as described in the viral clip. Thumb image: Instagram