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China supermarket chain makes US$1.2 million payout to customers over dirty noodles

  • Nationwide Pang Dong Lai chain is famous for thoughtful treatment of both customers and employees

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The boss of a supermarket chain in China, which is renowned for its thoughtful treatment of customers and staff, has paid out a total of US$1.2 million in compensation following complaints about poor hygiene at one of its processing plants. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Baidu/Weibo
Yating Yangin Beijing

A famous supermarket chain in China has paid out 8.8 million yuan (US$1.2 million) in compensation to customers following online complaints about the hygiene of their rolling dough dish.

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Pang Dong Lai’s payout astounded many but also attracted praise for showing a commitment to consumer rights.

Originating in the northern inland province of Henan, the supermarket chain has established a national reputation for positive treatment of its employees and customers.

“I don’t want to let our customers down. When customers are disappointed, it feels like a knife cutting into my heart,” said Pang Dong Lai’s president and founder, Yu Donglai.

However, their reputation took a sharp turn on the evening of June 25 when a customer reported on Douyin that the food processing environment for rolling dough at a Pang Dong Lai outlet in Xinxiang in Henan was unsanitary.

Pictures such as the one above revealed the poor hygiene conditions at a processing plant of the supermarket chain. Photo: Weibo
Pictures such as the one above revealed the poor hygiene conditions at a processing plant of the supermarket chain. Photo: Weibo

A traditional snack known for its chewy and soft texture, rolling dough is made by fermenting dough to create noodles that are typically served with soy sauce, vinegar and chili.

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