A Sushiro outlet in Guangzhou has come under investigation after a customer claimed to have discovered four “worm-like” white objects inside a tuna sushi dish.
The incident has sparked heated online debate over food safety concerns, with local authorities now officially probing the matter.
According to Chinese media reports, the customer and his wife visited the Sushiro branch at Hanxi K11 in Guangzhou on the evening of May 11.
After ordering a plate of tuna sashimi sushi, the diner allegedly noticed four small white strip-like objects on the fish slices.
The customer immediately questioned restaurant staff, believing the objects could be parasites.
However, staff members reportedly denied the claim and insisted the white strips were actually fish membranes or connective tissue caused by the way the tuna was sliced.
The customer later showed photos and videos of the objects to management, after which the outlet’s assistant supervisor reportedly agreed to waive the entire bill.
On May 22, the customer uploaded a complaint on social media, once again alleging the sushi contained worms and demanding compensation from the restaurant.
The viral post quickly attracted widespread public attention before later being deleted or hidden online.
Responding to media enquiries on May 27, Sushiro representatives said the company had conducted its own assessment and concluded the white objects were “membranes” rather than parasites.
The company apologised for causing concern and inconvenience to the customer and said staff had sincerely explained the situation, which was reportedly understood by the diner.
Sushiro also stated it would fully cooperate with authorities during the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Panyu District Market Supervision Bureau in Guangzhou confirmed it had received complaints regarding suspected foreign objects or parasites found in food sold at the outlet.
Authorities said enforcement officers had already conducted inspections at the restaurant and officially opened an investigation into the matter.
The incident has since triggered intense discussion online.
Some netizens argued that Sushiro’s explanation was difficult to believe and called for a thorough investigation, while others pointed out that tuna connective tissue can indeed appear as white strips when sliced diagonally.
Officials are expected to release further findings once investigations and examinations are completed.
