A viral video showing a rat eating snacks inside a food display cabinet at a tea stall at Surat railway station has sparked concerns over food safety and hygiene at railway premises. After the video surfaced, railway authorities acted swiftly and ordered the outlet to be cleaned, shut down and sealed. Officials have also initiated an inquiry into the incident and are examining action against the vendor and contractor.
Rat Seen Inside Food Display Cabinet
The video reportedly shows a rat moving inside the food display cabinet of a tea stall on a railway station platform. The rodent can be seen eating food items kept inside the cabinet, raising serious questions about the hygiene and storage practices followed at the outlet. The video quickly spread across social media, prompting concerns among passengers and members of the public about the safety of food being sold at railway stations.
Railway Authorities Seal Stall
Following the circulation of the video, railway officials inspected the outlet and ordered immediate action. Railway PRO Anup Saxena confirmed that the stall had been sealed after authorities were informed about the incident. Officials directed that the outlet be thoroughly cleaned and shut down. The action is intended to prevent any further sale of food from the premises while the matter is investigated.
Viral Video Shows 🐀 Rat Eating Puff at Surat Railway Food Stall; Stall Sealed#Gujarat #Surat: Amid growing concerns over food hygiene, a video showing a rat eating a puff at a food stall inside Surat railway station has gone viral on social media.
The video sparked outrage… pic.twitter.com/4VRXDFkGBP
— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) August 31, 2026
Vendor’s Licence May Face Cancellation
An inquiry has been launched to determine how the incident occurred and whether food safety and hygiene regulations were violated. Authorities are reportedly examining proceedings to cancel the vendor’s licence. Action is also being considered against the contractor associated with the outlet, including possible suspension or blacklisting, depending on the findings of the inquiry.
Food Safety Concerns at Railway Stations
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over hygiene and food safety at railway stations, where thousands of passengers purchase meals, snacks and beverages every day. Railway food outlets are expected to maintain strict cleanliness and storage standards to protect passengers from health risks. The Surat incident has raised questions about how effectively these standards are being monitored and enforced. Authorities are now expected to complete the inquiry and determine responsibility for the lapse.
Shamshad Ali is a New Delhi–based journalist with over six years of experience spanning breaking news writing, on-the-ground reporting, and editing. When he isn’t chasing headlines, Shamshad is usually exploring new destinations, discovering hidden culinary gems, and striking up conversations with strangers. Many of whom turn out to be great sources, and even better friends. He can be reached at shamshadali.dar@gmail.com.
