Domino’s Responds to Viral Video of Rat in Kitchen

New Delhi, January 9, 2026: A significant wave of outrage has been triggered across social media following the emergence of a “disgusting” viral video involving a prominent pizza chain. On January 8, 2026, a digital creator identified as Rahul uploaded a clip to Instagram showing a rat scurrying near blue storage trays at a Domino’s outlet in India. The footage, which was captioned as “Ratatouille in real life,” captured the rodent peeking out from behind a counter, leaving both the creator and millions of viewers in a state of shock and disbelief.

Official Response and Investigation

In a swift effort to manage the fallout, an official statement was issued by Domino’s India shortly after the video began trending. It was stated by the brand that the matter is being investigated on a “priority basis.” However, the company also raised questions regarding the authenticity of the footage, suggesting that it appeared to be “digitally altered” based on their initial assessment. A request was made to the uploader to share the specific store location and contact details to assist in the verification process, though the brand claimed on January 8, 2026, that they had not yet received a response.

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A Pattern of Safety Violations

The incident has brought renewed scrutiny to the brand’s food safety record in India. It was recalled by many netizens that several Domino’s outlets in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area were previously flagged by the Telangana Food Safety Department in late 2025. During those inspections, multiple branches were found to have overdue pest control, staff handling food without proper protective gear, and significant documentation issues. This latest viral video has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of hygiene standards across all fast-food franchises.

Consumer Backlash and Digital Outrage

The public reaction to the “rat in the kitchen” video has been a mix of dark humor and genuine concern for public health. It was noted by social media users that such lapses in cleanliness are “inexcusable” for a global chain that charges premium prices. While some users joked about “the new chef’s salary,” others expressed a firm resolution to avoid ordering from the chain until a transparent audit is completed. The incident has highlighted a growing lack of trust in urban food safety, where “behind-the-scenes” videos often contradict a brand’s polished marketing image.

The Road to Restoring Trust

As of January 9, 2026, the video remains a focal point of discussion regarding the accountability of large food corporations. It has been argued by food safety advocates that the burden of proof should rest with the establishment to demonstrate its sanitization protocols rather than dismissing viral evidence as “fake.” Until the facts are confirmed and a thorough cleaning of the affected outlet is documented, the image of the scurrying rodent serves as a haunting reminder of the potential dangers lurking in commercial kitchens.