A disturbing incident in Ludhiana has sparked public outrage and prompted immediate action from health officials after a dead lizard was discovered in an ice cream purchased by a seven-year-old boy. The incident occurred in the Sundar Nagar area of Giaspura, raising serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in the city, particularly regarding street vendors and pre-packaged frozen products.
According to reports, the young boy bought two "Choco Bar kulfis" from a street vendor operating under the name "Milk Bell" for ₹20. While eating the ice cream, he noticed an unusual object and alerted his grandmother, who then discovered a dead lizard embedded within the frozen treat. Understandably alarmed and angered, local residents confronted the vendor.
The vendor, however, allegedly defended himself by claiming that the ice cream was factory-packed, implying that he was not responsible for the contamination. Despite the serious nature of the discovery and the concerns raised by residents, the vendor reportedly continued selling ice cream in the area. This prompted further intervention from the locals, who stopped him again and escalated the matter.
As a precaution, the child was immediately taken to a private hospital. Fortunately, doctors have reported that his condition is stable. The incident has triggered widespread panic and anger among the local community, with many questioning the safety and quality of food products sold by street vendors and the effectiveness of existing food safety regulations.
The Health Department has taken cognizance of the incident and has initiated a thorough investigation. District Health Officer (DHO) Amarjit Kaur confirmed that samples of the ice cream would be collected and sent to a state laboratory for testing on June 10, 2025, to determine the source of the contamination. Authorities are also investigating whether the contamination occurred during manufacturing, storage, or distribution.
The ice cream cart has been confiscated and handed over to the Daba police station for further investigation. A formal complaint has also been filed in connection with the incident.
This incident follows previous reports of hygiene violations and adulteration in ice cream manufacturing in Ludhiana. Earlier in June 2025, the Health Department shut down an ice cream manufacturing unit in the Hambran industrial area after discovering unsanitary conditions, including cluttered waste, uncovered raw materials, houseflies, and expired ingredients. In April 2025, a health department team raided an ice cream factory in Hambran and found a lack of cleanliness. Expired ice cream flavors were destroyed.
These recurring incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter monitoring and enforcement of food safety standards in Ludhiana. Consumers are urged to exercise caution and purchase food products, especially ice cream, from trusted vendors. Health officials advise consumers to look for signs of adulteration, such as quick melting, a gritty or icy texture, or foaming when lemon juice is added, which could indicate the presence of detergent.
The Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner has previously directed the food safety wing of the health department to conduct food sampling in school and college canteens and intensify inspections at street vendors and other food establishments.
