Sushiro, a popular sushi chain, is taking legal action against customers after a viral video showed a child licking communal tongs at one of its Hong Kong outlets. Photo: HandoutA viral online clip showed a boy licking a pair of communal utensils and dropping them on the floor at a Sushiro outlet in Hong Kong. The popular sushi chain has said it plans to pursue legal action against some of its customers.
The footage was taken by someone at a nearby table, and it shows the child playing with a pair of tongs used for pickled ginger slices placed at each table booth.
The boy then licks the tongs before dropping them, while the adults at the table continue eating their meals.
The video does not show whether the adults cleaned, removed or put the tongs back in the pickled ginger container immediately after the incident.
The clip was shared in a social media post that tagged Sha Tin New Town Plaza, going viral on Wednesday and sparking discussion among internet users. Some viewers also noted the boy was wearing his shoes while putting his feet on one of the booth’s chairs.
Hours later, Sushiro published a statement on social media expressing concern over the incident.
“We sincerely regret that this incident has raised public concerns about our food hygiene and safety, severely damaging our brand image,” the company said.
“Sushiro condemns this behaviour and will take strict measures, including relevant legal actions.”
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Barrister Albert Luk Wai-hung said the sushi chain could pursue a negligence claim if it believed the adults involved had lapsed in the supervision of the child or failed to ensure proper behaviour in a public setting.
But the restaurant would need to prove the extent of any losses incurred as a result of the incident, he explained.
“It is understandable that Sushiro may want to take action to protect the brand’s reputation, but they should be able to quantify their loss and demonstrate that it was a direct result,” Luk said.
Sushiro also said staff had taken immediate action upon learning of the situation, disposing of all ginger slices on the affected table and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all ginger containers and tongs.
“To prevent similar incidents in the future, we are currently considering changing the way ginger slices are provided, ensuring that our customers can dine at Sushiro with peace of mind,” it said.
The boy’s behaviour has attracted polarising reactions online. Some users said the child was young and likely unaware of his actions.
But others expressed their support for the company’s decision to take legal action, arguing the boy’s parents should take responsibility for ensuring he behaved appropriately.
Sushiro, founded in 1984, is one of Japan’s leading conveyor belt sushi brands and is known for its affordability.
The company opened its first branch in Hong Kong in 2019 and quickly attracted long lines of diners.
According to its website, it now operates 34 outlets across the city.