Aussie restaurant chain responds to worker’s ‘disappointing’ act

A popular Aussie restaurant chain has responded to worker’s unexpected act after a video emerged that left many horrified.

A popular Australian chain has responded to a viral clip that appears to show an employee standing on a grill in order to clean the vents above it.

Video footage shared on TikTok seemingly shows a Guzman y Gomez (GYG) employee standing on the cooking device in order to reach, and subsequently clean, the outlet above it.

The worker doesn’t appear to have placed a protective barrier between his shoes and the grill. There also appeared to be something cooking on the stove top very close by. Other employees could be seen cleaning in another area of the kitchen.

“Is that how you maintain the hygiene of the food. So disappointing,” the concerning clip was captioned.

As the clip gained momentum online, GYG has issued a statement on the incident, stressing it was commitment to food safety.

“We are aware of an incident that does not align with GYG’s commitment to food safety and the safety of our crew and guests. The video that has been shared shows actions that are not in line with GYG’s procedures or standards that our crew are trained on,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.

“We take this matter seriously and are currently investigating the situation to ensure it is addressed appropriately.

“We appreciate the understanding of our guests and remain committed to delivering an outstanding experience.”

Social media has been divided after a video emerged appearing to show a GYG worker standing on a grill to clean the vents above. Picture: TikTok/@niiittiiishh

The brand has responded stating it is committed to food safety. Picture: TikTok/@niiittiiishh

After watching the video, some Aussies have declared they will “never eat” at the chain again after the footage was posted online.

“I’m never ordering from them again,” one person commented.

Another said: “That’s not right, those shields slide out to clean.”

However, many hospitality workers defended the employee’s actions.

“People who don’t work in the industry will never understand even if there wasn’t a mat on the grill the grill would also be cleaned after and once it’s turned on the germs burn off,” one said.

Another added: “If the range hood gets this much detail clean. the grill will be alright after they clean it.”

“You do this in every workplace that has a grill. W‍️e do the same where I work, and obviously the grill gets cleaned,” one said.

One social media user commented: “Absolutely nothing wrong with this, standard procedure for most restaurants.”

“People who don’t work in hospitality, they will never understand,” another said.

Originally published as Aussie restaurant chain responds to worker’s ‘disappointing’ act