Xiaolongkan Hot Pot controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Nanjing outlet exposed for spoiled potatoes, mop touching ice machine, and other kitchen hygiene issues
In March 2021, media went undercover at a Xiaolongkan outlet in Nanjing and reported that spoiled ingredients continued to be used, a mop came into contact with an ice machine, and there were operational hygiene problems. The company apologized and required the outlet involved to suspend operations for rectification and ordered nationwide self-inspections. This concerns the Nanjing outlet involved and is separate from the Yulin gutter oil case.
2020
Yulin franchisee convicted of producing and selling gutter oil hot pot base; brand apologizes
Public court rulings and media reports in 2020 showed that a Xiaolongkan franchise in Yulin had recycled customers' used hot pot oil to produce and sell "gutter oil," and those involved were sentenced. The brand apologized, saying it had previously cooperated with authorities and would strengthen monitoring and revoke the franchise authorization of the offending store. The actors were the franchisee and the individuals involved.
2018
Three franchise outlets exposed for reusing old oil and food and tableware hygiene problems
In 2018, undercover videos of three Xiaolongkan franchise outlets in Changchun, Nanchang, and Harbin exposed hygiene problems including the repeated use of old oil, coloring of ingredients, and mixed use of cleaning equipment. The brand announced that the outlets would suspend operations for self-inspection and invited regulatory inspections. This is recorded separately from the Yulin gutter oil case and the 2021 Nanjing outlet incident.