A rat was seen scurrying through a bustling Nando’s outlet in Faisalabad while diners ate.
A short clip posted by the local social‑media page “hello!Faisalabad” quickly went viral, showing the rodent weaving between tables and the kitchen area of the popular peri‑peri chicken chain. The video, filmed during peak lunch hours, captures several customers watching the animal move freely amid plates and cutlery, prompting a flood of concerned comments online.
The incident has reignited long‑standing worries about hygiene standards in Pakistan’s fast‑food sector. Under the Punjab Food Authority’s regulations, eateries are required to maintain strict pest‑control measures and undergo routine inspections. Any breach can lead to fines, temporary closures, or even revocation of a licence, especially when public health is at stake.
Nando’s, which opened its first Pakistani branch in 2015, has built a sizable following in major cities. A breach of this nature could damage consumer confidence not only for the brand but also for other international chains operating in the country, where diners are increasingly vigilant about food safety after several high‑profile contamination scares in recent years.
As of now, Nando’s corporate office has not released an official statement. Local authorities have been urged by social‑media users and consumer‑rights groups to conduct an immediate, unannounced inspection of the Faisalabad location to verify compliance and ensure that the restaurant meets the mandated sanitary standards.