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Mumbai: In a shocking incident, a lawyer named Rajeev Shukla from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh found a dead rat in his vegetarian food parcel ordered from Barbeque Nation, a popular restaurant chain based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The disturbing discovery, shared by Rajeev on his social media platforms, has sparked widespread concern and outrage.
Rajeev’s ordeal began on January 8, 2024, when he ordered a ‘Classic Veg Meal Box Regular’ from Barbeque Nation’s Worli outlet. A staunch vegetarian, he was surprised to find dead rats and cockroaches in his food.
The incident resulted in severe food poisoning, forcing him to be admitted to BMC’s BYL Nair Hospital for more than three days. His efforts to draw attention to the alleged negligence by posting on social media and emailing Barbecue Nation failed to receive an immediate response, further compounding his troubles.
I Rajeev shukla (pure vegetarian) from prayagraj visited Mumbai, on 8th Jan'24 night ordered veg meal box from BARBEQUE NATION, worli outlet that a contained dead mouse, hospitalised for 75 plus hours. complaint has not been lodged at nagpada police station yet.
Please help pic.twitter.com/7iaZmkkfRf— rajeev shukla (@shukraj) January 14, 2024
Barbecue Nation’s response, as reflected in Rajiv’s shared correspondence, was limited to an apology and vague assurances that concerns would be addressed. During Rajeev’s hospitalization, there was no direct visit or assistance provided by the restaurant, adding to his frustration.
His struggle to lodge an FIR against Barbecue Nation at the Nagpada police station underlined the challenges in seeking legal recourse in such cases. However, Rajiv’s resilience shone when he tagged prominent political figures on social media and determined to hold the establishment accountable.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about food safety and hygiene practices in the food service industry, not only in Mumbai but across the country. The lack of immediate action is similar to similar cases of food safety violations in the past, emphasizing the need for comprehensive regulations and strict enforcement.
This incident is a reminder of the potential risks associated with food consumption and the critical need for stronger oversight and accountability in the food service industry. Additionally, it has reignited discussion about consumer rights and the responsibilities of food establishments in maintaining food safety standards.
The lack of a swift and comprehensive response from Barbecue Nation and the challenges Rajeev faced in seeking legal recourse underscore the need for a more robust framework to protect consumer interests.
