MeetFresh Apologizes and Closes Stores Amid Viral Video of Unsanitary Conditions
On March 21, popular Taiwan-based dessert chain MeetFresh, known for their delicious taro balls and grass jelly treats, was forced to issue an apology and close two of their Beijing stores after a video from their kitchen went viral on Chinese social media. The video, which was published by a popular Chinese WeChat public account named "Life at This Moment," showed multiple instances of unsanitary conditions at the stores, including uncapped bins of food, employees using the same cloth to clean the floors and walls, and a lack of proper pest control measures.
21 March 2024
The video caused outrage among Chinese netizens, with many calling for stricter food safety standards and increased transparency from restaurants. In response, MeetFresh's headquarters quickly held an emergency meeting and released a statement apologizing for the negative impact the incident had on their brand reputation and pledging to take immediate action to address the issue. In their statement, MeetFresh announced that they had immediately closed the two Beijing stores in question and would be conducting a thorough investigation into the management and practices at these locations.
Additionally, the company vowed to launch a nationwide self-inspection campaign to ensure that all of their stores meet strict food safety standards and to cooperate fully with government regulators. The company also provided a hotline for consumers to report any concerns about food safety at their stores, promising to take swift and severe action against any violations.
Many Chinese netizens expressed skepticism about the sincerity of MeetFresh's apology, pointing out that the company has been plagued by similar scandals in the past. However, others defended the chain, noting that food safety is a widespread issue in China and that it's unfair to single out one brand for criticism.
MeetFresh has more than 1,000 stores across Asia, including locations in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. The company has quickly become a household name in the region due to its delicious desserts and convenient to-go packaging. However, the brand has faced several food safety scandals in recent years, including a 2020 incident in which a worker at a Shanghai store was caught on camera urinating in a sink used for food preparation.
Despite the recent backlash, many loyal customers still expressed their support for the chain, saying that they hope the company will learn from its mistakes and work to improve its food safety practices. Overall, the MeetFresh scandal highlights the growing demand for food safety and transparency in China, as more and more consumers are becoming aware of the risks associated with consuming contaminated food. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of ensuring the safety of its food supply, companies like MeetFresh will have to work harder than ever to win back the trust of their customers and the public at large. In a statement released by the company, MeetFresh's headquarters emphasized the importance of food safety and the need for strict adherence to hygiene and sanitation practices in their stores. The company also pledged to work closely with local regulators and industry associations to promote greater transparency and accountability in the food and beverage industry.
For now, the two Beijing stores remain closed, and it is unclear when they will be allowed to reopen. However, MeetFresh has promised to take swift and decisive action to address the issues raised by the viral video and to ensure that their stores meet the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. In the meantime, loyal customers of the chain are still eager to enjoy MeetFresh's delicious treats, with many expressing their hope that the company will learn from this incident and emerge stronger and more committed to food safety than ever before.
