Worker at popular food chain seen in 'disappointing' act in front of customers: 'Significant risk'
Guzman y Gomez is investigating after a worker was filmed standing on top of a hot plate used for cooking food while cleaning this week. Footage of the incident was captured by a stunned customer at the Brunswick restaurant in Melbourne, throwing the health and safety standards of the nationwide fast-food chain into question.
In a short, 18-second video the worker is wearing shoes and appears to be standing on a hot plate while wiping the extractor fan vents above the grill. Food is bubbling away on the stove a short distance away from where he stands while his colleagues work around him in the kitchen.
The customer who captured the footage called the situation "disappointing" and questioned the store's health and safety standards online. "Is that how you maintain the hygiene of the food?" he asked.
A food safety expert told Yahoo News the scene poses "significant risk" for both the worker and for overall food safety — with the chain, affectionately known as GYG, telling Yahoo News it is investigating and it takes the matter "seriously".
There was a mixed response to the footage from Aussies, with some saying it wasn't too bad since the hot plate could later be cleaned. Someone who claimed to be a Guzman y Gomez (GYG) worker commented saying this behaviour was "standard" practice.
However, many others admitted they were appalled the worker would choose to do this, never mind so openly.
"I can't believe my eyes, I go here all the time," one person wrote, while another admitted, "I'm never ordering from them again".
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Yahoo News reached out to GyG and a spokesperson confirmed they are aware of the incident, saying "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," the spokesperson said. "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."
Edward McCartney from Food Safety Plus viewed the footage and told Yahoo News this type of behaviour "poses a significant risk" for both the worker and for overall food safety.
"Using cooktops in this manner increases the chance of slips, burns, or equipment damage. It also introduces the potential for contamination of food contact surfaces, which is unacceptable," he explained. "Employers have a duty of care to ensure their staff are trained and equipped to carry out cleaning tasks safely."
He urged GyG to "regularly review their workplace safety protocols and food safety programs to prevent unsafe practices" like the one in the video.
Last year McDonald's came under fire when a tradie was spotted standing on a counter at Queensland's Booval restaurant while wearing their working boots near the deep fryer. Weeks earlier, a manager was spotted in the restaurant drying a mop head under the same deep fryer where fries had been boxed up ready to be served to customers.
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