Bengaluru Man Finds Live Worm in Zomato Order: Cloud Kitchen Apologizes for ‘Manual Error’

Ordering food online has become a way of life for many, but incidents of poor hygiene in eateries have increasingly surfaced, raising alarm among customers. A recent case from Bengaluru has reignited discussions about food safety when a man discovered a live worm in his meal, which he had ordered via Zomato.

The shocking incident was documented in a video shared by the Instagram account @fitnesskapratik. In the clip, the customer shows a live worm wriggling in a salad bowl he received from FreshMenu, a well-known cloud kitchen that markets itself as providing healthy meals. The man expressed his disappointment, stating, “After seeing this, I don’t want to open the other two [boxes].” He also requested Zomato to thoroughly investigate the matter.

The receipt from the order further revealed a discrepancy: four items were listed, but only three were delivered. Sharing his frustration online, the customer urged others to be cautious, writing, "Please, guys, try to avoid outside food, and if you have no other option, then check the food properly before eating."

FreshMenu Responds with an Apology:

After the video gained traction, FreshMenu quickly issued an apology and acknowledged the lapse in their kitchen’s processes. In an official statement, the brand expressed its regret, stating, "We sincerely apologize for the incident. Finding a live worm in your food is unacceptable, and we take full responsibility for this lapse."

FreshMenu attributed the incident to a "manual error" during their preparation process. They assured the public that they had taken strict disciplinary action against the team responsible and introduced additional training and quality control measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Representatives from FreshMenu also visited the customer personally to apologize and address his concerns.

Public Reaction and Concerns:

Despite the apology, social media erupted with criticism of the cloud kitchen. Numerous individuals shared their own unfavorable experiences with FreshMenu and comparable services.

A user shared their experience, stating, "I've gotten sick several times after eating food from FreshMenu." Another remarked sarcastically, "Fresh from the garden," while others criticized the broader industry for its lack of transparency and hygiene.

Growing Scrutiny of Cloud Kitchens:

The incident has brought to light broader issues surrounding food safety and hygiene practices in cloud kitchens. These delivery-only establishments have grown in popularity due to their convenience, but customers often have little visibility into the conditions under which their meals are prepared.

As the demand for online food delivery continues to surge, experts emphasize the importance of stricter regulations and inspections to ensure customer safety. For now, incidents like this one serve as a stark reminder to consumers to exercise caution and remain vigilant when ordering food online.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)