A stomach-churning new study has revealed that more than a quarter of food delivery drivers taste customers' meals before dropping them off.
The study examined the behaviours of both delivery customers and drivers, revealing that 28% of delivery drivers have taken food from a customer’s order. In slightly less worrying news, 54% of drivers have confessed to being tempted by the smell of customer’s food in their vehicle.
Unsurprisingly, the survey also found that customers who use food delivery apps would not be ok with knowing that a driver has tampered with their order. When participants were asked whether they minded their delivery driver eating some of their fries, the average response was 8.4 out of 10, with 1 signifying "no big deal" and 10 signifying "absolutely unacceptable." 85% of people also said that they would prefer restaurants to use lids or sticky labels which prevent food from being tampered with.
Other findings by the survey included 17% of customers having received food that was cold or not freshly made, while up to 60% of drivers claimed they often receive little or no tip for their efforts.
The study was conducted by US Food, with the organisation having surveyed 497 Americans who currently or have previously worked for a food delivery app such as UberEats or Postmates. The company also interviewed 1,518 American adults who have used the apps as customers.
Speaking about the findings, the company said: "We're sorry to report that sometimes, impulse gets the best of deliverers, and they violate their sacred duty by taking some of the food!"
Although this particular study was conducted in the US, it’s likely that similar things take place on these shores – worth thinking about next time you order a hungover Nando’s.
Speaking of the peri-peri chicken giants, did you know that Nando’s is going to start serving brunch?