The renowned Chinese hotpot chain, Haidilao, recently confirmed an unsettling incident at its downtown Shanghai location on March 6. The company has decided to offer compensation to over 4,000 diners following an alarming event where two teenagers urinated into a hotpot broth. The act was captured in a video that began circulating online late last month, prompting widespread concern.
Haidilao stated that the incident took place on February 24 but was only brought to their attention four days later. Initially, the company struggled to ascertain the exact timing and location of the incident. The Shanghai police have detained the two individuals involved, both aged 17, according to an official statement.
"We fully understand that the distress caused to our customers by this incident cannot be fully compensated for by any means," – Haidilao.
Upon discovering the incident, Haidilao reported the case to the police in Jianyang, Sichuan, where the company is headquartered, as well as to other affected locations. In response to the gravity of the situation, Haidilao filed a civil lawsuit application against the two teenagers on Monday.
The video footage showed the two men urinating into the hotpot while dining in a private room at a Haidilao restaurant. This incident has not only caused distress among patrons but also raised questions about customer safety and hygiene standards in dining establishments.
Haidilao's decision to compensate affected diners demonstrates its commitment to addressing customer concerns and maintaining its reputation. The company has assured patrons that it is taking all necessary actions to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future.
