China goes after 'ghost kitchens' to rein in cut-throat food delivery apps
Chinese authorities are cracking down on 'ghost kitchens' in the food delivery industry to address safety concerns. These kitchens, which do not have physical locations, have been linked to illegal practices and food safety violations. New regulations require food delivery apps to verify restaurant licenses and ensure accurate listings.
- ▪Authorities have identified thousands of 'ghost kitchens' across China, raising food safety concerns.
- ▪Starting this week, food delivery apps must verify the licenses and addresses of restaurants listed on their platforms.
- ▪Last year, a complaint about an unsatisfactory cake led to the discovery of a chain with 380 online locations but no physical stores.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
China goes after 'ghost kitchens' to rein in cut-throat food delivery apps17 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleKoh EweGetty ImagesIn one province, delivery riders have been roped in to whistleblow on "ghost kitchens"Chinese authorities have taken aim at a new target as they rein in the country's cut-throat food delivery industry: "ghost kitchens", or restaurants that don't actually exist but appear on apps.The "ghost kitchens" outsource orders to third-party vendors, which fulfill them at lower costs, allowing merchants to push down prices and maximise profits.Authorities have found thousands of these "ghost kitchens" across China, raising concerns that the cheap prices are coming at the cost of food safety.Starting this week, apps must verify restaurants' licences and…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC News.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from BBC News
