In a recent incident that has taken the internet by storm, a Chinese beer manufacturer, Tsingtao Brewery, is facing backlash after a video allegedly showing one of its employees urinating into a tank at a manufacturing unit went viral. The video, which was uploaded on the popular Chinese social media platform Weibo, has garnered tens of millions of views since its release last week.
The Video's Content and Public Reaction
The footage displays a man scaling a high wall to access a container, where he is then seen urinating. It is believed that this tank contained ingredients for Tsingtao's renowned beer. The video's rapid spread on social media has led to a wave of public outrage and concern, with many users on Weibo expressing their shock and stating that they would refrain from consuming Tsingtao beer for the time being. One user commented, "A piss that will ruin a lot of money; this worker has done some real damage here." Another remarked, "Good thing I don't drink beer-but it's unimaginable if this brand is finished because of this." Some even humorously linked the incident to the taste of certain American beers.
video going viral on chinese social media of appears to show tsingtao beer employee urinating in product
bright side: still better off than bud light pic.twitter.com/RUmLjm2Wa2 — ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) October 23, 2023
However, not all reactions were negative. A segment of the online community urged for a thorough investigation before jumping to conclusions. One user stated, "That could be an explanation for the taste of some American beers," while another humorously added, "Thanks, I think I'll have wine instead."
Tsingtao Brewery's Response
In light of the controversy, Tsingtao Brewery was quick to address the issue. The company announced that they have initiated an investigation into the incident. In an official statement, the brewery emphasized the gravity with which they viewed the media reports and mentioned that they had promptly reported the matter to public security authorities, who are currently investigating. The company further assured the public that the batch of ingredients shown in the video had been isolated. However, they stopped short of confirming whether the incident took place at their facility or if the individual in the video was indeed an employee.
Impact on Tsingtao Brewery
Tsingtao Brewery, which prides itself on being the sixth-largest global beer maker, offers a variety of beverages, including a classic lager, stout, Pilsner, and IPA. The brand has a significant presence in over 100 countries worldwide. Following the video's release, the company's shares experienced a sharp decline in value on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. However, they managed to rebound by the afternoon.
This incident brings to mind a similar event from 2014 in the United States, where a reservoir in Portland had to be drained after a teenager was caught urinating into the water. As a result, officials discarded 38 million gallons of treated water intended for customers.
