A shocking cooking video has recently gone viral across Southeast Asia, triggering widespread disgust and condemnation over its blatant disregard for food hygiene. The footage features a man preparing curry while placing his bare feet directly on the kitchen counter(the floor) — an act that has left viewers appalled and questioning basic cleanliness standards.
The video, believed to be uploaded by a social media influencer aiming for viral attention, shows the man mixing curry ingredients with exaggerated expressions and theatrical flair. What startled many was his bare feet resting on the food preparation surface just inches from the pot. At one point, he even uses his foot to steady a bowl during filming, prompting netizens to dub the dish “foot curry” in disbelief.
Experts Warn of Serious Health Risks
Food safety experts have strongly criticised the video, warning that such actions are more than just distasteful — they pose a significant health risk. “Feet are known carriers of bacteria such as staphylococcus, which can easily contaminate food and cause severe foodborne illnesses,” said a local hygiene consultant. “This is not just unhygienic; it’s a danger to anyone consuming that food.”
The video’s spread has sparked an outpouring of negative reactions online. Comments ranged from shock to disgust, with many users expressing disbelief that anyone would handle food in such a careless way. “Acting like a chef but putting feet on the counter? Totally unacceptable,” one Singaporean user commented. Others flooded the post with vomit emojis and dark humour, reflecting the widespread revulsion.
Social Media Platforms Urged to Act
Though the man behind the video has yet to respond publicly, the post has reportedly been restricted or removed in several regions, indicating that platforms are taking reports of community guideline violations seriously. Many netizens believe the content was intentionally staged to provoke outrage and boost engagement at the expense of public health.
This incident has sparked calls for social media companies to enforce stricter controls on content that promotes unsafe food handling practices. Experts warn that unchecked, such videos could normalise dangerous behaviour, especially among impressionable viewers, undermining public health education efforts.
Public Health Should Never Be Compromised for Views
As viral trends increasingly push creators toward shock tactics, health professionals caution against sacrificing hygiene and safety for online fame. The overwhelming backlash to this video highlights the thin line between entertaining content and irresponsible behaviour.
Viewers are reminded to approach viral cooking videos with discernment and prioritise proper hygiene practices in their own kitchens. While online trends may come and go, food safety remains essential and non-negotiable.