Hong Kong: A woman in Hong Kong was left horrified after reportedly finding a live newborn rat moving inside a takeaway box of satay beef rice noodles, with a video of the discovery quickly spreading online.
The meal was purchased from Wa Jer Restaurant in Kwai Chung and cost HK$44. The set included satay beef rice noodles, a ham omelette and a drink. The woman reportedly discovered the tiny animal after returning to her workplace and opening the container.
Shocking discovery sparks food safety concerns
An 18-second video circulating online appears to show the hairless baby rat wriggling in the satay sauce among the noodles. The footage prompted widespread reactions from social media users and renewed concerns about food hygiene.
The customer reportedly preserved the meal and complained to Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). Officials seized the food for examination and inspected the restaurant, where they found hygiene conditions in some areas to be unsatisfactory.
Restaurant faces action as investigation continues
The FEHD has filed charges against the restaurant under Hong Kong’s Food Business Regulation following the investigation. Officials said they were examining various stages of the food process, including preparation, packaging, storage and delivery.
Restaurant operator Mike described the discovery as shocking and said the business had not previously received a similar complaint. He said the premises undergo regular deep cleaning and that pest-control measures would be strengthened.
Authorities have cautioned against drawing conclusions about how the animal entered the food based solely on the viral video. The investigation is expected to establish what happened and whether further action is required.
The disturbing discovery has nevertheless highlighted the importance of strict hygiene and pest-control practices in food establishments, particularly when prepared meals are being packed for takeaway.