Picture of bakery staff washing tongs at public washroom sparks outrage

A picture circulating online shows an employee of a Japanese chain bakery washing bread tongs in a public restroom has sparked outrage from netizens due to hygiene concerns. 

The photo, which appeared to be from an MTR restroom, showed an employee from the bakery, washing bread tongs and placing them on a sink. A netizen commented, “The dirty water and germs will be on the bread."

The Japanese chain bakery asserted that it was an isolated incident, and the employee had seriously violated company guidelines out of convenience. It was mentioned that she would be subject to further disciplinary action.

The bakery stated that it has established procedures for cleaning all utensils in the store. In cases where branches lack running water, company policy requires that utensils be taken to designated staff-only cleaning areas in shopping malls or subway stations for proper cleaning.

The post sparked heated discussion online. Some netizens lamented, "I'd rather they didn't wash them," while others said they should be understanding of their difficulties. 

Others argued that washing them was better than not washing them, but emphasized that it should be done thoroughly and without leaving the tongs on the sink.

Some commented that most shops in MTR stations don't have running water, so washing them in public restrooms is understandable.