Ludhiana Vendor Caught Melting Plastic Oil Pouches in Hot Oil, Sparks Outrage and Health Warnings

Ludhiana, August 7, 2025: A street food vendor in Ludhiana has come under fire after a viral video exposed a dangerous cooking practice that has alarmed health experts and the public alike. Filmed near Gill Chowk, the video shows the vendor dipping sealed plastic oil pouches directly into a boiling kadhai to extract the oil, causing the plastic to melt instantly into the hot oil.

The melted plastic not only contaminates the oil but also releases potentially toxic chemicals into the food being prepared. In the footage, the vendor is seen making bread pakoras and other fried snacks with bare hands and visibly poor hygiene standards.

Medical professionals have strongly condemned the practice. According to them, heating plastic at high temperatures can release hazardous substances like Bisphenol A (BPA) and dioxins, both linked to long-term health complications including hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and even cancer.

The video has rapidly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread criticism. Citizens are now urging the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Ludhiana’s municipal authorities to take immediate action against the vendor and enforce stricter street food safety regulations.

This incident has reignited the debate on the regulation of roadside eateries and the urgent need for routine health inspections to protect public health.