A shocking incident in Jilin City has drawn widespread attention after a man reported finding a live worm in the dipping sauce that came with his barbecue takeout order. The case, which occurred on October 6, 2025, has since prompted public concern over food safety and restaurant hygiene.

According to reports, the customer had ordered grilled skewers online, spending a total of 37.59 yuan. While eating, he noticed a small white worm wriggling inside a bag of chili dipping sauce. A video shared online showed the live insect moving across the surface of the sauce, quickly sparking heated discussion on social media platforms.

The customer left a negative review and contacted the restaurant to request compensation. The restaurant initially offered 56.9 yuan through the food delivery platform and asked him to delete his review. Unsatisfied, the customer demanded ten times the meal’s cost — approximately 300 yuan — as compensation. When the restaurant refused and subsequently blocked his contact, the customer filed a complaint with local market regulators.

Restaurant’s Response

By October 9, 2025, the restaurant involved — located on Qingdao Street in Jilin City’s Chuanying District — had addressed the incident publicly. Speaking with Jimu News, a restaurant representative said that such an occurrence was “extremely rare” and that it was the first time they had encountered this problem. The representative also mentioned that, after consulting their supplier, they were told it was uncommon for chili powder to attract worms.

In response, the restaurant conducted a full-scale cleaning of its premises and later compensated the customer with 300 yuan. The representative admitted to removing the customer’s contact information, claiming the decision was made because “the customer’s language was too harsh.”

Official Investigation

Officials from the Beishan Market Supervision Office under the Chuanying District Market Supervision Bureau confirmed that both parties had reached a settlement. The bureau stated that it would inspect the restaurant’s kitchen and hygiene conditions, and if any violations were found, corrective actions would be ordered.

Broader Implications

The “October 6 Jilin Takeout Worm Incident” has reignited public discussion about food safety standards in online food delivery. Many netizens expressed concern about the hygiene of takeout food, urging authorities to tighten inspections and ensure better quality control among small and mid-sized restaurants.

As food delivery continues to play an increasingly central role in urban life, incidents like this underscore the importance of maintaining strict hygiene standards to protect consumers and rebuild public trust.