A Chinese restaurant has landed in controversy after a shocking video surfaced showing one of its employees scooping oil from a street-side waste bin for reuse in the kitchen. The incident, which has spread rapidly across social media, has triggered widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about hygiene standards in food establishments.
According to reports, a passerby filmed the staff member dipping a container into a roadside waste oil bin and transferring the liquid into buckets, allegedly for use in cooking. The footage immediately sparked online fury, with netizens condemning the restaurant for putting customers’ health at risk. Many described the practice as not only extremely unhygienic but also a serious violation of food safety laws.
Local food safety authorities have since stepped in to investigate the matter. Officials stated that if confirmed, the restaurant could face strict penalties, including fines, temporary closure, or even cancellation of its operating license. The use of “gutter oil” — a term commonly referring to recycled waste oil collected from drains, bins, or discarded cooking grease — has long been a public health issue in several parts of China, with repeated crackdowns undertaken by authorities to curb the illegal practice.
Health experts warn that such recycled oil contains harmful carcinogens and toxins, making it hazardous for consumption. Even small amounts, if used regularly in food, can cause long-term damage to the liver and digestive system.
The restaurant management has reportedly denied authorizing such practices but admitted that the employee in question has been suspended pending inquiry. However, critics argue that stronger accountability is required from restaurant owners to ensure customer safety.
The viral video continues to fuel anger online, with many consumers calling for stricter monitoring of eateries and tougher punishments for food-safety violations.