Zomato has addressed the growing controversy surrounding so-called “one-dish” restaurants on its platform. These outlets, which listed mysterious items like “Naughty Strawberry” and “Merry Berry” at exorbitant prices, sparked widespread speculation and concern among users.
Zomato Cracks Down on Suspicious Listings
In response to inquiries, a Zomato spokesperson acknowledged the issue, stating that the company had identified and delisted potentially fraudulent restaurants. “We have noticed social media conversations around these single-dish restaurants and identified suspicious listings,” the spokesperson said. To address the issue comprehensively, Zomato also investigated other restaurants with limited menus to ensure no prohibited items or policy violations were present.
The company emphasized its adherence to regulatory standards, requiring all restaurants on the platform to hold an FSSAI license. Additionally, Zomato reassured users that they actively block items such as alcohol, cigarettes, and other prohibited products.
How the Fraud Operated
Zomato admitted that certain restaurants managed to bypass their checks by using generic food names like “Naughty Strawberry” and “Citrus Punch” to conceal their actual offerings. “We have further strengthened our fraud detection systems to proactively identify and prevent such incidents in the future,” the spokesperson added.
The ‘One-Dish’ Restaurant Trend
The phenomenon was first flagged by users on social media, particularly in Chandigarh, where restaurants offering a single dish with vague names and inflated prices began appearing on the app. A Reddit post detailing the trend highlighted the lack of reviews or negative feedback for these outlets, prompting speculation about their true purpose.
While some users humorously suggested these names referred to exotic flavors, others raised serious concerns, speculating about illegal activities such as drug delivery or money laundering.
Zomato Tightens Monitoring Measures
As part of its response, Zomato has implemented enhanced fraud checks to ensure the integrity of its platform. The company reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe and transparent experience for its users.
This swift action aims to restore user trust and prevent similar incidents from undermining Zomato’s reputation as a trusted food delivery service.