In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through China’s brewing industry, a video showing a factory employee allegedly urinating on raw ingredients at Tsingtao Brewery Co., one of China’s biggest beer manufacturers, has gone viral. The clip, which surfaced online, has raised concerns about product quality and hygiene standards within the company. This incident has spurred a robust response from the company and widespread reactions on social media, demonstrating the importance of upholding the integrity of China’s national champion brands.
The viral video, which surfaced on Thursday, allegedly shows a male worker at a Tsingtao Brewery Co. warehouse climbing into a container and urinating on its contents. This disturbing act was captured on camera and quickly spread across Chinese social media platforms, particularly Weibo, garnering tens of millions of views. The incident has led to a growing outcry among consumers, with many expressing anger and concern over the potential harm to the beer’s quality.
Tsingtao Brewery Co. swiftly responded to the video, acknowledging its significance and the potential damage it could inflict on its brand reputation.
In a statement issued on Friday, the company stated that it had reported the incident to the police and was cooperating with law enforcement in an ongoing investigation. The company also confirmed that the batch of malt in question had been sealed to prevent any contaminated ingredients from entering the production process.
“We reported the incident to the police at the earliest opportunity, and public security organs are involved in the investigation,” Tsingtao Brewery said in its statement. “At present, the batch of malt in question has been completely sealed. The company continues to strengthen its management procedures and ensure product quality.”
The video has elicited strong reactions from the public, with many expressing their support for Tsingtao, one of China’s most renowned beverage brands. Social media users have called for a thorough investigation and urged the company to take legal action against the employee responsible for the act. Some comments have emphasized the importance of standing up for national champion brands and maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Tsingtao Brewery, a Hong Kong-listed company, is China’s second-largest brewer. The brand is known for its iconic tall bottles of crisp lager that have become a staple in bars across East Asia. In recent years, Tsingtao has been diversifying its product range to cater to the evolving tastes of younger Chinese consumers, expanding into craft ales and other beverages.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that maintaining the reputation and quality of established brands is crucial, especially in an era when consumers are increasingly discerning and vocal about their expectations for product integrity and corporate responsibility.
While the incident is a grave matter, some social media users couldn’t resist making light of it, taking the opportunity to humorously comment on the quality of mass-market brews in China. These comments, though lighthearted, underline the significance of upholding high standards in the brewing industry and ensuring the integrity of beloved brands.
(Source: AFP | HKFP)
