Foodpanda controversies

Lawmakers and civil groups protest Grab's acquisition of foodpanda's Taiwan delivery business

Public backlash

On October 12, 2026, DPP legislator Wang Shih-chien, several industry unions and civil groups gathered outside Taiwan's Fair Trade Commission and submitted a petition demanding rejection of Grab's acquisition of foodpanda's Taiwan delivery business, ahead of an FTC review decision expected by October 27, 2026. Protesters claimed the merged platforms would hold up to a 98% market share in Taiwan's delivery market and raised national security concerns, saying Grab's AI research is based in Beijing and Shenzhen and alleging mainland China sovereign fund involvement. The FTC said the case remains under committee deliberation, and Grab did not respond to Taiwanese media questions about information-leak risks.

Stated objective. Demand the Fair Trade Commission reject the merger of Grab and foodpanda's Taiwan delivery business

Hong Kong Competition Commission investigates Foodpanda and Deliveroo

Investigation

In January 2022, Hong Kong's Competition Commission said it was investigating whether Foodpanda and Deliveroo imposed restrictive conditions on partner restaurants. The commission's concern was that the platforms could use their market positions to impose strict and exclusive deals. The report describes an investigation, not a finding of wrongdoing; no conclusion that any violation occurred was stated.

Thai rider dismissal controversy

A proposed dismissal of a rider linked to a protest involving a royal portrait triggered a widespread boycott. Foodpanda later apologised and stated that it supported freedom of expression.

Merchant fee complaints in Malaysia

Malaysian vendors alleged that commissions and hidden fees were excessive and could leave sellers with little or no profit. Some merchants reportedly terminated their Foodpanda accounts.

Rider protests in the Philippines

Foodpanda riders protested alleged unfair wage and disciplinary policies. The company attributed reports of lengthy suspensions to technical problems in rider software and apologised.

Hong Kong worker strike

Some workers in Hong Kong went on strike over alleged problems involving income expectations and workplace conditions.

Foodpanda responds to complaints about delayed orders and refunds

Company response

In January 2021, Foodpanda responded to a customer complaint posted online that the platform would cancel a delayed order without refunding the payment. Foodpanda stated that not every cancellation is non-refundable and that long waits are not treated as malicious cancellations. The company also described customer-service support and compensation provided in certain cases. The response addressed the complaint without detailing specific outcomes for the individual order.

After a customer complained online that foodpanda would cancel a delayed order without refunding the payment, foodpanda said not every cancellation is non-refundable and that long waits are not treated as malicious cancellations. It also described customer-service support and compensation in certain cases.

Thai political advertising boycott

Pro-democracy protesters in Thailand called for a Foodpanda boycott after identifying the company as an advertiser on Nation TV, a channel viewed by protesters as pro-establishment. Foodpanda suspended its advertising on the channel.

Foodpanda apologizes over employee's remark about medical workers

Company response

Foodpanda apologized for an employee's controversial remark that medical workers at Nantou Yumin Hospital were “dirty.” The report says a medical professional had complained about being asked to collect a meal away from the hospital.