Viral Video Sparks Concern Over FreshMenu’s Mumbai Kitchen
A video showing the alleged poor surroundings of FreshMenu’s cloud kitchen in Mumbai has gone viral, raising concerns about hygiene and food quality. The clip, shared by an Instagram user, claimed that the kitchen’s location in Kalina, Santacruz East, was far from ideal. This has led to a heated discussion online about food safety and operational standards in cloud kitchens.
Customer’s Complaint and the Investigation
The issue began when a customer ordered a paneer dish but received a chicken dish instead. Disturbed by the mix-up, they decided to visit the kitchen’s location. Upon arrival, they were taken aback by its condition, describing it as unhygienic and unsuitable for food preparation. The user attempted to film inside but was denied access. Instead, they shared footage of the kitchen’s exterior, showing a run-down building and waterlogged streets, urging others to be cautious.
FreshMenu’s Response and Apology
Following the viral post, FreshMenu promptly addressed the concerns. They issued an apology for the order mix-up, attributing it to human error by a newly recruited staff member. The company stated that disciplinary action had been taken against those responsible and that staff had been retrained to prevent future mistakes.
“We sincerely apologise for the unfortunate incident of delivering a non-vegetarian burger to a vegetarian customer. Our team acknowledged the mistake and expressed regret. Disciplinary measures have been implemented, and additional training has been provided to ensure stricter adherence to our processes,” FreshMenu stated.
Clarification on Kitchen’s Location and Hygiene Standards
Responding to concerns about the kitchen’s surroundings, FreshMenu clarified that while the external environment may appear unclean, the kitchen itself complies with food safety regulations.
“Our facility follows all necessary hygiene and safety protocols within our premises. However, as tenants, we have limited control over the external environment. The water visible on the streets is from water tankers serving nearby businesses and residences, not sewage,” the company explained.
FreshMenu also highlighted that their kitchen is part of a commercial lane shared by over 25 other businesses. Taking the feedback seriously, they assured customers that they would work with neighbouring businesses to improve the area’s upkeep.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Discussion
The incident has sparked debate online, with mixed reactions from the public. While some customers appreciated FreshMenu’s prompt response, others remained skeptical about their hygiene practices. The discussion has also shed light on the broader issue of food delivery services operating in less-than-ideal locations.
FreshMenu reassured customers that they are committed to improving their services and maintaining food safety standards. They encouraged open feedback to enhance customer trust and ensure a better experience in the future.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.