When we think of our favourite fast-food joints, we often imagine the grill sizzle, the aroma of spices, and the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen crafting our beloved meals. For many, a quick stop at a fast-food restaurant is a convenient and enjoyable way to grab a bite.
However, a recent incident at a fast food chain has left customers with a rather unsavoury image that’s far from the appetising scenes we cherish.
A Guzman y Gomez worker in one of its Melbourne branches was caught on camera in an act that has left the public aghast.
The footage, which has spread like wildfire across social media platforms, showed the employee standing on the grill to clean the overhead vents.
The customer who captured this moment was understandably horrified, captioning their video with a question that echoed the sentiments of many: ‘Is that how you maintain the hygiene of the food? So disappointing.’
The clip revealed the worker, shoes on, atop the grill, diligently wiping the vents while hot food simmers on the stove beside him.
Some viewers were in disbelief, with one commenting, ‘I can’t believe my eyes, I go here all the time.’
Others vowed to boycott the restaurant, declaring, ‘I’m never ordering from them again.’
The debate heated up as some users suggested that the staff member was standing on a rubber mat, not directly on the grill, though the original poster contested this, stating, ‘There’s no cushion at all.’
However, not everyone was quick to condemn the employee. Some defended the action, claiming it to be a standard practice in the industry.
‘You do this in every workplace that has a grill,’ one user explained, while another reassured, ‘If the range hood gets this much detail clean, the grill will be alright after they clean it.’
Despite the mixed reactions, Guzman y Gomez swiftly addressed the incident. In a statement, the company expressed that the behaviour captured in the video was not in line with its commitment to food safety and the safety of its crew and guests.
‘The video that has been shared shows actions that are not in line with GYG’s procedures or standards that our crew are trained on. We take this matter seriously and are currently investigating the situation to ensure it is addressed appropriately.’
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you ever witnessed questionable hygiene practices at a restaurant? How did it affect your perception of the establishment? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Fast food takeover: The untold truth behind Australia’s growing addiction
