Confession of a Part-Timer Posted on an Online Community
"Cafe Fruits, Taken Directly from the Box for Immediate Use"
A part-time worker at a cafe sparked controversy on the 30th by making an online "confession of conscience" that the fruits placed on cakes are not washed.
Recently, a post titled "What do you think about cafes not washing the fruits on desserts?" was uploaded on an online community. A, who identified themselves as a part-time worker at a famous local cafe, began by saying, "As the title suggests, this cafe does not wash the fruits at all."
A claimed, "They do not wash the fruits used in cakes, even those for children," and added, "They take the fruits directly out of the box or packaging and use them immediately."
When A raised the issue, the cafe owner reportedly said, "Famous cake shops probably don’t wash fruits either. Fruits used in baking are generally not washed."
A said, "Is it really the same at other cafes? I’m just a part-time worker, so I can’t say anything," and confessed, "I feel guilty and it’s really hard."
They continued, "The baking is done very unhygienically, but customers buy the cakes because they look pretty. I’m curious about others’ opinions."
Netizens who saw the post responded with comments such as, "If famous cafes do this, what about others?", "With the year-end approaching, cakes will sell well, but I can’t eat them," and "This is the most shocking post I’ve seen recently."
Some netizens also expressed skepticism, saying, "We can’t conclude based only on the part-timer’s word," and "I wonder if it’s okay to leak the store’s recipe."
Meanwhile, as Christmas approaches, the number of people seeking cakes is increasing, but consumers are sighing deeply due to sharply rising prices.
According to the National Statistical Portal of Statistics Korea, the cake price inflation rate was 8.3% last month, a significant increase compared to October of last year.
Ahead of the year-end, Christmas limited-edition cakes released by major five-star hotels are receiving continuous orders despite their high prices exceeding 200,000 won.
The two Christmas cakes released by the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul have sold over 200 units since their launch on the 17th. This year’s cakes from the Four Seasons Hotel are the "Red Christmas Cake" (98,000 won) and the "White Christmas Cake" (178,000 won), which are approximately 30% and 135% more expensive, respectively, compared to last year’s "Christmas Jewel Cake" (76,000 won).
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