A video showing a cockroach crawling over paneer rolls at a Theobroma outlet in Mumbai has gone viral, sparking widespread outrage and raising serious concerns about hygiene standards at the popular patisserie chain. The incident, which took place at the Runwal Greens outlet in Mulund West, Mumbai, was captured on video by a Reddit user.
The user, with the handle Familiar-Guava-3123, posted the video on the r/Mulund subreddit on June 6, 2025, along with the caption: "This is what we saw in Theobroma: Runwal Greens, Mulund West, Mumbai." The user explained that they and a friend were about to place their order when they spotted the cockroach freely roaming on a tray of paneer rolls displayed in the cabinet. They alerted the staff, who removed the tray in front of them. The Reddit user stated they did not know what happened to the contaminated food after they left the location. The user's post quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and comments, with many expressing shock, disgust, and concern.
The incident has triggered a wave of reactions from other users online, with many recounting similar experiences at various restaurants and eateries. One user shared a story of encountering red ants at a fine dining establishment, while another criticized the franchising model, questioning how brands can effectively monitor hygiene standards across different locations. Another user reported finding a piece of plastic in a brownie at a Theobroma outlet in South Delhi, stating that the staff simply discarded the brownie and still charged them for it.
The video has amplified existing concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in India, especially in the wake of other recent incidents, such as the arrest of a Mathura hotel owner for washing dishes in toilet water. Several users are now calling for stricter regulations, increased inspections, and greater accountability to protect consumers.
As of today, June 8, 2025, Theobroma has yet to release any public statement addressing the incident or the concerns raised. The lack of response has further fueled the online backlash. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining stringent hygiene practices in the food industry. It also highlights the power of social media in bringing such issues to light and holding businesses accountable.
