'Testing for poison': HK delivery rider caught on camera drinking customer orders

Hong Kong food-delivery users have been left revolted after videos surfaced online showing a rider casually sipping from customers’ drinks and even biting into their meals, claiming he was “checking for poison” or “punishing” clients who dared to call and chase their orders.

The disturbing clips, first shared on Threads and later spread across social media, show the rider taking a swig from a sealed drink immediately after picking it up, wiping the lid with his hand, and returning it to the bag. 

Another screenshot captures him chewing food while posting that someone else’s takeaway “tastes especially good” because the customer kept phoning to hurry him up.

One of the affected orders was a burger from the chain Burger Shot, which quickly identified the rider, blocked him from their restaurant on the platform, and posted security camera photos urging the public to help spread the word.

The delivery platform later confirmed it had terminated the rider’s account.

Netizens reacted with a mix of horror and anger, with many declaring they would avoid food delivery for the foreseeable future or switch to picking up orders themselves. Several users reported filing formal complaints with both the platform and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, while others warned friends to inspect every bag carefully before accepting it.