A food safety scandal has erupted in Shunde, Guangdong, after an online video exposed unhygienic practices in an online food delivery kitchen, prompting authorities to order the outlet to shut down for rectification.
The incident came to light after a netizen, Mr Feng, noticed irregularities during a “live kitchen” broadcast on a food delivery platform on April 24. He observed a chef at a restaurant in Daliang, Shunde, allegedly using a broom dipped in detergent to scrub cooking equipment, including stove surfaces and possibly cookware.
Further checks on April 25 revealed another related outlet with a similar kitchen setup, raising suspicions that the business was operating under multiple brand names using the same kitchen. Both outlets were reportedly linked to the same premises operating on delivery platforms.
In a more serious allegation, footage also showed a worker at the kitchen allegedly spitting into a wok, sparking widespread public outrage over hygiene standards. The incident quickly went viral, drawing criticism over food safety and regulatory oversight in the online food industry.
The store manager responded to local media, claiming the worker spat only because hot oil splashed onto his mouth and described it as an instinctive reaction. The management acknowledged the behaviour was unacceptable and said disciplinary action would be taken, including replacing kitchen utensils and strengthening hygiene controls.
Shunde’s Daliang Market Supervision Authority later confirmed that the outlet, which operates as a delivery-only kitchen, had poor hygiene management and weak food safety awareness among staff.
Authorities have ordered the restaurant to suspend operations immediately for rectification and have launched a formal investigation into the case.
