Naga Chaitanya’s cloud kitchen Shoyu issues statement after viral cockroach complaint

Naga Chaitanya’s cloud kitchen Shoyu issues statement after viral cockroach complaint

Tollywood star Naga Chaitanya, who has recently ventured into the food industry with his Asian takeaway brand Shoyu, has found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy. Known for serving gourmet Asian dishes rarely found on traditional Indian menus, Shoyu has been making waves in Hyderabad’s food delivery scene through platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. However, the brand is now dealing with a crisis after a customer alleged finding a cockroach in his order.

Shoyu's official statement

It all began when a sarcastic reply surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) in response to a Shoyu promotional message that read, “We would like to know how we might better indulge U!” The customer retorted with a shocking claim: “Maybe start with not serving roaches for our meals.” Accompanying the post was an image showing the insect allegedly found in the food, placed next to the promotional leaflet — a photo that quickly went viral.

While many online users reacted with humor, the deeper implication was serious: a potential failure in food hygiene and safety standards. “It's not strong enough to really bother me and don't get me started about how I threw out the entire order when it arrived, so grossed out was I and disappointed,” the customer wrote, emphasizing his frustration and disappointment.

In response to the uproar, Shoyu issued an official statement via social media:

“An important message from Shoyu

We take food safety with the utmost seriousness, and the well-being of our customers is our highest priority.

We exercise the utmost caution regarding the safety of our patrons, and our kitchens strictly adhere to the most stringent safety protocols.

An unfortunate incident has come to our attention, and we are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine its origin.

— Shoyu”

So far, Naga Chaitanya himself has not commented publicly on the issue. However, as the controversy grows, it’s clear that swift and transparent action is needed to preserve customer trust.

In a highly competitive delivery market, especially one associated with a celebrity, public perception can change quickly. This incident is a stark reminder that no brand, however premium, is immune from scrutiny. Fans and foodies alike are now watching closely, hoping for both answers and accountability.