A shocking incident involving a popular Chinese hot pot chain has left customers reeling, prompting the company to announce a significant compensation package for affected patrons. The controversy surrounds a video clip that surfaced online, showing two teenagers urinating into a hot pot at a branch of Haidilao, a well-known hot pot restaurant chain in China. The incident reportedly occurred in a private dining room at one of the chain’s Shanghai locations.
According to foreign news outlets, Haidilao, China’s largest hot pot chain, issued an apology to customers after the disturbing clip was shared on the internet. The company announced that it would provide a full refund, along with compensation totaling 10 times the cost of the meal, to over 4,100 customers who dined at the affected Shanghai branch between February 24 and March 8. This move aims to mitigate the damage to the company’s reputation and demonstrate its commitment to customer satisfaction.
The video clip, which was shared online in late February, appears to have been recorded in a private dining room at the Haidilao branch. Although it is unclear who filmed the incident, the two 17-year-old teenagers involved, who were reportedly intoxicated at the time, were arrested shortly after the incident. Haidilao’s management claimed that they became aware of the video several days after it was posted online and took a week to identify the specific branch where the incident occurred, due to the numerous locations in Shanghai.
As of now, there is no indication that any customers have used the same private dining room since the incident. However, the company has taken precautions to replace all the hot pots and dining utensils and has disinfected the ceramic pots and other equipment. This proactive approach aims to alleviate concerns about food safety and hygiene.
In addition to the compensation package, Haidilao stated that they would pursue legal action against the individuals responsible for the incident. According to initial reports, the company has filed a civil lawsuit against the two teenagers, surnamed Tang and Wu, as of Monday, March 10.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among customers and has raised questions about the company’s quality control measures. In response, Haidilao has reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and clean dining environment for its patrons. The company’s swift action in addressing the issue and compensating affected customers is seen as a positive step towards regaining public trust.
Source: BBC