24-11-2023 (BEIJING) A butcher in Anhui, China, has ignited a heated online debate after a video surfaced showing him deboning raw meat using only his mouth. The footage, which emerged on November 14, quickly sparked concerns among Chinese netizens regarding food hygiene.
In the video, the butcher can be seen grasping a lamb rib with both hands to expose the bone, after which he proceeds to use his mouth to rip the bone out from the flesh.
According to the South China Morning Post, the butcher defended his unusual technique by claiming that it was a “decades-old technique” that was faster than using a knife. He further asserted that skilled butchers would not leave traces of saliva on the meat during the process.
However, netizens were quick to challenge his claims, expressing worries about the potential health risks posed by bacteria present in raw meat.
A Weibo user commented, “Parasites in raw meat are a life-threatening risk for the person who debones meat with their mouth. This might be the first time I have worried more about the merchant than myself.”
Another user wrote, “Saying it is a tradition doesn’t make what he did less disgusting.”
In response to the controversy generated by the video, local authorities launched an investigation into the butcher’s shop, as reported by Chinese media. After conducting their inquiry, they confirmed that the video was indeed a publicity stunt aimed at attracting online followers.
“This is not an ancient technique. No one has deboned raw lamb ribs with their mouth before,” stated the authorities.
The video has since been deleted, and the butcher has made a promise not to share similar videos in the future.
