A recent video posted on Instagram by the handle @planetashish has sparked widespread discussion about the mass production of bread. In the video, which gained significant attention, viewers were taken through the process of how bread loaves are made in a factory.
The clip begins with a person mixing ingredients such as flour, sugar, salt, and others in a container, before transferring the mixture to a machine to prepare the dough. Once the dough is ready, it is placed into moulds and baked to produce the final bread loaves. The freshly baked bread is then taken out and spread on a sheet to cool down.
However, the video has drawn criticism from some viewers who labelled the process as ‘unhygienic’. Comments on the post expressed shock and concern about the cleanliness and handling of the bread during production.
Since its upload, the video has garnered record views and sparked various reactions. Some individuals vowed to stop consuming bread after watching the video, while others described the process as “scary” and questioned the hygiene standards observed in the factory.
One viewer even pointed out the presence of what appeared to be mould inside the blue basket used to hold the bread, while another commented on the perceived lack of cleanliness, noting that the person handling the bread was placing it on the same surface they were standing on.
Addressing Realities
The video sheds light on the challenges faced by India’s healthcare department and food inspection authorities in ensuring food hygiene standards, particularly in the context of small-scale food production. Hygiene regulation is vital for enabling small-scale producers and retailers to access markets through short food supply chains.
To address these concerns, the government has already introduced flexibility in its hygiene legislation through a Hygiene Package. Despite these efforts, the video highlights the grim reality of food production practices in India that may leave viewers feeling a sense of extreme discomfort. Hand or even foot-made food items showcased in the video reflect a lack of adherence to hygiene standards, raising concerns about food safety and consumer health.
India faces significant challenges related to diet and nutrition-related health issues, including obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Additionally, lactose intolerance affects a considerable portion of the population. These factors drive the demand for healthier snacking options that promote improved well-being.
Beyond conventional food safety concerns, unsafe food in India includes products containing unhealthy fats, high energy density, and high salt content, which contribute to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases. Street food, a popular choice across the country, often poses health hazards due to contamination with infectious viruses and bacteria, leading to various foodborne illnesses.
The video serves as a reality check on the state of small-scale food production in India, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter hygiene regulations and enforcement measures to safeguard consumer health and promote food safety in the country.
