Chick-fil-A Faces Backlash After Viral Video Exposes Food Waste

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in June 2021.

In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the fast-food industry, a viral TikTok video has exposed Chick-fil-A’s apparent practice of discarding large quantities of food. The video, posted by a TikTok user under the username @jlucvss, shows a Chick-fil-A employee tossing a tray of chicken nuggets into the trash. The caption, “what they do every night with the chicken nuggets at Chick-fil-A,” has ignited a firestorm of criticism and concern.

The video has garnered over 7 million views on TikTok, with many viewers expressing outrage at the apparent wastefulness. One user commented, “The amount of food we throw away and the amount of starving people there are just doesn’t sit right with me. It’s sad.” Others suggested that the excess food could be donated to those in need, but concerns were raised about potential health risks associated with consuming chicken that has been sitting out for hours. As one user pointed out, “Chicken that sits out too long cannot be given out to the homeless hours later; it will get them sick. It’s not a doughnut.”

Chick-fil-A, a company known for its customer service and Christian values, has faced backlash in the past for its stance on LGBTQ+ rights. However, this latest controversy has shifted the focus to its environmental impact. The video has sparked a wider conversation about food waste and the responsibility of businesses to minimize their environmental footprint.

In response to the criticism, Chick-fil-A has pointed to its existing food donation program, Chick-fil-A Shared Table, which was launched in 2012. This program allows franchisees to donate surplus food to local charities and non-profit organizations. However, the company has not yet responded to specific questions about the incident in the TikTok video.

As the controversy continues to unfold, Chick-fil-A may face increased pressure to improve its food waste management practices. The company will need to balance its commitment to profitability with its social and environmental responsibilities. By taking steps to reduce food waste and donate surplus food to those in need, Chick-fil-A can help to address the growing issue of hunger and poverty while also enhancing its reputation as a socially responsible company.