A disturbing incident involving a Mumbai man and a Swiggy-listed FreshMenu eatery has sparked a wave of online outrage over food hygiene standards. The man had ordered a paneer burger but received a chicken burger instead, prompting him to personally visit the eatery located in Kalina, Santacruz East, to investigate further. What he discovered about the establishment’s hygiene left him appalled, and he shared his findings on Instagram, urging others to avoid the restaurant.
A Disturbing Discovery
The man posted a video on Instagram, exposing the filthy conditions of the eatery. He described the premises as unsanitary and unhygienic, leading to widespread concern among fellow customers and delivery personnel. In his post, he tagged @FreshMenu and shared the location of the restaurant, urging people to be cautious before ordering from such places.
The post quickly gained traction, sparking a flood of reactions from social media users. Many echoed concerns over the cleanliness of eateries operating within unsanitary environments. Some customers expressed dismay, while others, particularly delivery personnel, shared their personal experiences.
Social Media Reactions
A delivery person commented on the post, revealing, “As a delivery person… I wanted to share some of the facts… Never order from hotels [that] do not have dine-in… because almost all dine-out hotels do not maintain hygiene!” A Zomato rider shared similar concerns, stating, “As a Zomato rider… 70 percent of restaurants are like this. I personally check the place and alert customers not to order from there again, but it’s up to them.”
Some users pointed out that customers often prioritize cheap pricing over quality, contributing to the prevalence of such establishments. One user remarked, “India deserves this food, I had opened up a kitchen myself and made sure to use the best ingredients and maintain hygiene. But people don’t pay for that kind of food, they always look for discounts. This is what you’ll be getting.”
Another user weighed in, saying, “Pretty much the entire Delhi is like this, I can bet on that… the only few good ones out there in the so-called good areas are very expensive.” Another comment highlighted the lack of awareness, saying, “It’s scary how quality food & hygiene concepts are alien to us!”
FreshMenu Responds
In response to the viral post, FreshMenu issued an apology, addressing the customer’s concerns. The company expressed regret over the incident, assuring the public that they took the matter very seriously. “Disciplinary action has been taken against the responsible team members, and we have retrained our staff to ensure strict adherence to our processes moving forward,” the statement read.
FreshMenu also clarified that its facility adheres to food safety measures within its premises. The company explained, “While we have been operating from this location for the past two years, as tenants, our influence over the external environment is limited. However, we can assure you that we do not contribute negatively to the neighborhood and follow proper garbage and waste management practices.”
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights a growing concern over food safety and hygiene standards in many establishments offering food delivery services. With food delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato becoming increasingly popular, it is crucial for customers to be aware of the conditions under which their food is prepared. As this controversy unfolds, it serves as a reminder for both food delivery platforms and consumers to prioritize hygiene and quality to ensure food safety and well-being.
This incident also raises questions about accountability and the role of food delivery apps in monitoring the quality standards of the eateries they list, especially when it comes to hygiene and customer satisfaction. As food safety continues to be a pressing issue, consumers must remain vigilant and informed about where they are ordering from.
