BEIJING

In a shocking incident that has caught the attention of food lovers and hygiene advocates across China, Haidilao, the well-known hotpot chain, announced they would compensate more than 4,000 customers who dined at a Shanghai location where two diners infamously urinated into the hotpot broth.

Incident Details

The incident, which occurred on February 24, came to light when a disturbing video surfaced online late last month, showing two young men brazenly relieving themselves into their hotpot while seated in a private dining area. This shocking footage prompted an uproar among diners, sparking debates about restaurant hygiene standards and customer safety.

Haidilao's Response

Despite the gravity of the situation, Haidilao revealed that they only became aware of the incident four days later and struggled to identify the exact time and place it took place. On March 6, they confirmed the Shanghai location implicated in the scandal.

In a transparent statement issued on March 12, Haidilao acknowledged the distress caused to customers and admitted shortcomings in their training procedures that allowed for this incident to go unnoticed by staff. "We fully understand that the distress caused to our customers by this incident cannot be fully compensated for by any means," the company expressed, emphasizing their commitment to resolving the issue responsibly.

Compensation Details

While the exact amount allocated for compensation remains undisclosed, many customers are awaiting further details on how they might be compensated. Following this incident, Haidilao reported the matter to authorities in Jianyang, Sichuan, where the company is based, as well as local law enforcement in Shanghai.

Legal Actions

Chinese police have since detained the two 17-year-old individuals involved in the disturbing act. Furthermore, Haidilao is pursuing legal action against the pair, having filed a civil lawsuit on March 10. This scandal highlights the delicate balance restaurateurs must maintain between customer satisfaction and safety, and it raises pressing questions about training standards in the food service industry.

Conclusion

As this story continues to unfold, how will it impact Haidilao’s reputation and customer base? Stay tuned for updates on one of the most bizarre and unsettling tales to emerge from the dining scene in Shanghai.