Taiwanese Fried Chicken Shop Apologizes After Customer Finds Insect in Meal, Offers Full Refunds

A customer's discovery of an insect in their fried chicken has sparked outrage and disgust online, leading to a temporary closure and apology from a popular Taiwanese snack chain. The incident occurred at the Banqiao branch of Shiyuan Fried Chicken, a brand originating from Taipei's Shida night market.

The customer posted a video on Threads showing a dark-colored insect mixed among the fried chicken, questioning if it was a bee or a cockroach. The post quickly went viral, with many netizens expressing revulsion and making sarcastic comments about potential new menu items.

Shiyuan Fried Chicken owner Xie Fushun apologized on July 7, acknowledging the lapse in quality control. The Banqiao store suspended operations for a thorough cleaning and disinfection by a professional company. Xie stated the restaurant would contact the health bureau on the next business day to cooperate with inspections and address deficiencies.

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We failed to do so this time, and we deeply apologize for failing to meet our customers' expectations. We will work hard to improve and prevent such incidents from happening again.

"Ensuring food hygiene and product quality is our most basic responsibility," Xie said. "We failed to do so this time, and we deeply apologize for failing to meet our customers' expectations. We will work hard to improve and prevent such incidents from happening again."

The owner announced that all customers who purchased food from the Banqiao branch on July 6 could receive a full refund upon presenting proof of purchase, regardless of whether they bought it in-store, ordered online, or through a delivery platform. Even customers without a receipt could get a refund if they could confirm their purchase.

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Ensuring food hygiene and product quality is our most basic responsibility.