‘Indian ice golas are made using leftover ice from post-mortem rooms’: Viral claim shocks internet, many question it |
A video about one of India’s favourite summer treats has triggered an unexpected debate on social media. A woman’s claim about the ice allegedly used by some roadside gola and fruit juice vendors has gone viral, drawing thousands of reactions online. While the allegation left many viewers shocked, many others questioned its authenticity, saying there is no credible evidence to support it. The discussion has since expanded beyond the video, with people sharing their views on street food hygiene and the dangers of believing unverified claims.
What did the woman claim?
In the viral video, the woman said she stopped eating roadside golas and drinking fruit juice after learning where some vendors allegedly source the ice they use from.According to her, many vendors do not have large freezers to make ice in bulk and also do not spend money buying fresh ice. She further claimed that even when ice is purchased, it may sometimes be made using dirty water.The woman then made a more serious allegation. She claimed that some vendors allegedly collect leftover ice from outside morgues after post-mortem procedures are completed and later use it while preparing golas and cold drinks.She said, “You know, the moment I found out where local gola (shaved ice) and fruit juice vendors get their ice from, I never ate a gola or drank local fruit juice again in my life.”She further alleged, “They get it from outside the morgue. Once the work involving the dead bodies is done, the staff gives them the ice for free. We had been eating golas made from ice that had been in contact with corpses all this time. If you’re still eating them, please stop. It’s absolutely disgusting.”The user who shared the clip on X captioned it, “Indian ice golas are made using leftover ice from post-mortem rooms. Eating anything in India is nothing less than a final destination.”
Social media users are divided
The viral clip received mixed reactions online. While some users said they have always avoided roadside food because of hygiene concerns, many others dismissed the allegation and pointed out that it has been circulating for years without any credible evidence.One user wrote, “Every time I saw those disgusting, filthy stalls on the road, I never dared to even have the urge to eat from that rat-infested place. Glad I never ate those. How do people even have the appetite to see something on the streets and feel like ‘Oh, I should eat that,’ like?!? Eat better!”Another commented, “This claim has been circulating for years, but there’s no credible evidence to support this claim. Poor food hygiene is a real issue in some places, but that doesn’t mean ice golas are made with post-mortem ice.”A person said, “Whether this claim is right or wrong, I feel street food in our country is unhygienic because most people in our country don’t give a damn about anything but money.”Another wrote, “I stopped eating them after I became a teenager. Someone told me this exact same thing while I was having orange gola; I literally spat it out.”Others also remained unconvinced. One comment read, “Even though I don’t eat them, this claim is ridiculous.”Another user added, “I have seen them using mineral water for making the ice that they use in golas…so don’t assume all golas are made from the ice she is talking about.”Disclaimer: The Times of India has not independently verified the claims made in the viral video. This article reports on the statements made in the video and the reactions they have generated on social media. The claims should not be treated as established facts. Thumb image: X/@TyrantOppressor
