Viral TikTok shows ‘grim’ McDonald’s kitchen at Maidstone Roadchef services by M20 Junction 8
Published: 05:00, 24 August 2024
A TikTok video showing “grim” conditions in a McDonald’s kitchen has gone viral with 1.2 million views.
The fast-food chain has hit back after its Roadchef branch at the M20 Junction 8 Maidstone services looked to be extremely messy.
A video by @krystianmxson shows food and packaging on the floor while staff appear to carry on working.
The TikTokker captioned the post: “McDonald’s at the Maidstone M20 services looking grim can’t lie.”
It was uploaded last Tuesday (August 13) and has since racked up 1.2 million views and 42.2k likes.
One person said: “Wow I am lost for words I would not be ordering from there.”
A new drive-thru opened in February last year and was built as part of a nationwide expansion scheme. It employs 25 people.
Along with hundreds of comments, several ex-McDonald’s workers defended the conditions in the video.
“They’re probably just mid-way through sweeping out everything from under the counters/stations,” one person explained. “Stuff piles up there.”
Another said: “I work in hospitality. Kitchens get a mess when busy and understaffed. Guests just don’t normally see it.”
In April 2021, the service station was named one of the worst in the country. It came in the bottom 10 of almost 70 roadside pit-stops rated by Which? members.
Commenting on the video, a Roadchef spokesman said: “We are committed to the highest standards of food hygiene and cleanliness.
“Our robust processes and procedures maintain these standards across the business to deliver outstanding service and a safe environment for our staff and customers.
“The McDonald’s branch at Maidstone Services is open 24 hours a day.
“The team conducts a deep clean during operating hours with food preparation paused during this time, as seen in the video.
“This ensures the highest levels of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained.
“We are proud to have been awarded the maximum of five stars following the latest food hygiene inspection at this venue.”
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Cara Simmonds