A video allegedly filmed at Katihar Junction Railway Station in Bihar has sparked outrage online after showing cucumber vendors dipping peeled cucumbers into a bright green liquid.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over hygiene and food safety standards at railway stations, especially for items sold openly on platforms.
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Viral video raises food safety concerns
The clip, widely shared on social media, reportedly showed women vendors coating pale cucumbers with a green-coloured substance before selling them to passengers. The activity was allegedly taking place openly on the platform, drawing criticism from users who questioned how such practices could continue at a busy public transport hub.
According to reports, the cucumbers appeared peeled and dull before being dipped into the liquid to make them look fresher and visually appealing. Cucumbers are commonly sold at railway stations during the summer months as an affordable snack for travellers.
A lady got caught mixing dark chemical color on Cucumbers to look more fresh and juicy
” Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) May 8, 2026
Thats why people say never eat something in train from such vendors pic.twitter.com/vsSizXPSVO
RPF detains vendors after video surfaces
Following the circulation of the video, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Katihar Junction launched an investigation into the matter. Reports said nine women vendors, including the woman seen in the viral clip, were detained and questioned by authorities, per a Hindustan Times report.
Katihar RPF Inspector Vikram told reporters that the colour being used was allegedly similar to the colouring commonly added to sweets prepared during weddings. Authorities are now examining the exact composition of the substance and have initiated legal action in connection with the incident.
Visuals shared online also showed RPF personnel seizing baskets of cucumbers from vendors at the station platforms.
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Social media users react strongly
The video triggered widespread reactions online, with many users expressing concern over the alleged use of artificial colouring on food meant for direct consumption. One user wrote, “This is extremely dangerous and should be treated as a serious food safety violation.” Another commented, “Passengers deserve safe and hygienic food, not such harmful practices.”
Several users also called for stricter inspections and regular monitoring of food vendors operating at railway stations. Others urged travellers to be cautious while purchasing cut fruits and raw food items during train journeys.
