Haidilao, a major Chinese restaurant chain, faces backlash after a diner was filmed urinating in a hotpot, prompting public outrage. The company has issued an apology and plans to compensate affected customers. Two teenagers involved have been detained as the incident raises concerns over food safety.

One of China’s leading restaurant chains, Haidilao, has come under fire after a video surfaced showing a customer urinating into a hotpot, leading to widespread public outrage. The incident occurred at a Shanghai location and quickly went viral on social media, prompting intense criticism regarding food safety standards at this popular dining establishment.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Haidilao acknowledged the event and expressed their profound regret, confirming that they are pursuing legal actions against the offenders. The company reported that two individuals urinated into a hotpot after dining in a private room on February 24, highlighting gaps in their management protocols that prevented staff from identifying the incident promptly.

To address customer concerns, Haidilao announced it would provide compensation to patrons of the over 4,100 orders made between February 24 and March 8. This compensation includes a full refund along with a substantial additional sum, aiming to alleviate customer dissatisfaction amid the scandal.

The perpetrators, identified as two 17-year-olds, have been taken into administrative detention by the Shanghai police. Under Chinese law, individuals aged 16 are generally considered responsible for criminal activities, but this can be lowered for severe crimes.

Despite Haidilao’s attempts to mitigate the situation and reassure customers, many on the Chinese social media platform Weibo expressed skepticism regarding the company’s response. Comments indicated frustration over the delayed acknowledgment of the incident, questioning the effectiveness of their communications in resolving public concerns.

The scandal involving Haidilao underscores significant concerns about food safety practices within the restaurant industry. The company’s prompt response and compensation efforts demonstrate an attempt to rectify the situation; however, public trust may take time to restore. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing food safety challenges faced in China, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to health standards in dining establishments.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com

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