Famous burger brand apologizes for using expired ingredients!
[4] Compiled from: Red Star News
Case review
On July 13, a former employee at the Shake Shack store in Wuhan MixC revealed that the restaurant used expired cream to make beverages, used expired ketchup, and removed expiration labels from expired beer to continue selling it.
On July 13, a former employee at the Shake Shack store in Wuhan MixC revealed that the restaurant used expired cream to make beverages, used expired ketchup, and removed expiration labels from expired beer to continue selling it.
[1] Image source from the internet; if infringement occurs, please delete!
The employee stated that he was transferred to the Wuhan region of Hubei in May 2023, and after working there for some time, he discovered food quality control issues at the store, and provided three whistleblowing videos. He also stated that he was fired by the company after reporting to the market regulatory authorities.
In response to reports that its Wuhan store used expired ingredients, fast-food brand @ShakeShack published the results of its internal investigation and issued an apology on its official Weibo account at 11 p.m. on July 16:
Based on a preliminary investigation, the store involved failed to promptly dispose of expired canned whipped cream in accordance with the company’s food safety management regulations. The expired ingredient had a shelf life of 9 months, with an expiration date of June 26, 2023, and was disposed of on June 30, 2023. Regarding the use of expired ketchup and the sale of beer with altered labels mentioned in the report, our company has cooperated with the investigation and is awaiting the review results from the regulatory authorities.
Regarding this incident involving expired cream, our company bears undeniable responsibility in store management and operational execution. To this end, we extend our most sincere apologies to Shake Shack customers!
All management team members and employees involved in this food safety issue shall be subject to disciplinary action based on the severity of their conduct, in accordance with the Labor Contract Law and other relevant laws and regulations as well as the company’s rules and policies. Shake Shack will carry out self-inspection and self-rectification across all stores nationwide, standardize operations, and fully implement the requirements of the Food Safety Law, other relevant laws and regulations, and the company’s food safety management system.
[1] Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China
[2] Article 34
The following foods, food additives, and food-related products are prohibited from production and operation:
……
(3) food or food additives produced using food raw materials or food additives beyond their shelf life;
……
[1] The author's perspective
[4] The fast pace of modern life has led to the rise of fast food in the catering industry and fast fashion in clothing, in line with the trends of the times. However, as producers, processors, or marketers, one must never forget the principle of putting people first, and toxic or harmful ingredients must never be used. Although the ingredients used in this case were not toxic or harmful, they had exceeded their shelf life. Even if the product itself may not have undergone any qualitative changes, such behavior shows extreme disrespect for consumers' health and, of course, violates the principle of honest business operations. The author hopes that businesses will not forget their original intentions and will strive to build strong and reputable brands—not through such petty gains, but through the love and support of the majority of consumers. Instead of focusing on such underhanded tactics, it is better to think about how to improve products and services, as this is the long-term path to development.
In response to reports that its Wuhan store used expired ingredients, fast-food brand @ShakeShack published the results of its internal investigation and issued an apology on its official Weibo account at 11 p.m. on July 16:
Based on a preliminary investigation, the store involved failed to promptly dispose of expired canned whipped cream in accordance with the company’s food safety management regulations. The expired ingredient had a shelf life of 9 months, with an expiration date of June 26, 2023, and was disposed of on June 30, 2023. Regarding the use of expired ketchup and the sale of beer with altered labels mentioned in the report, our company has cooperated with the investigation and is awaiting the review results from the regulatory authorities.
Regarding this incident involving expired cream, our company bears undeniable responsibility in store management and operational execution. To this end, we extend our most sincere apologies to Shake Shack customers!
All management team members and employees involved in this food safety issue shall be subject to disciplinary action based on the severity of their conduct, in accordance with the Labor Contract Law and other relevant laws and regulations as well as the company’s rules and policies. Shake Shack will carry out self-inspection and self-rectification across all stores nationwide, standardize operations, and fully implement the requirements of the Food Safety Law, other relevant laws and regulations, and the company’s food safety management system.
[1] Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China
[2] Article 34
The following foods, food additives, and food-related products are prohibited from production and operation:
……
(3) food or food additives produced using food raw materials or food additives beyond their shelf life;
……
[1] The author's perspective
[4] The fast pace of modern life has led to the rise of fast food in the catering industry and fast fashion in clothing, in line with the trends of the times. However, as producers, processors, or marketers, one must never forget the principle of putting people first, and toxic or harmful ingredients must never be used. Although the ingredients used in this case were not toxic or harmful, they had exceeded their shelf life. Even if the product itself may not have undergone any qualitative changes, such behavior shows extreme disrespect for consumers' health and, of course, violates the principle of honest business operations. The author hopes that businesses will not forget their original intentions and will strive to build strong and reputable brands—not through such petty gains, but through the love and support of the majority of consumers. Instead of focusing on such underhanded tactics, it is better to think about how to improve products and services, as this is the long-term path to development.
