Famous fast-food chain faces filthy store video backlash as response unfolds
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If you’ve ever popped into your local Macca’s for a cheeky cheeseburger and found yourself dodging rogue chips and sticky tables, you’re not alone!
A recent video has put the spotlight on the cleanliness of one McDonald’s, sparking a nationwide debate about who’s really responsible for keeping our favourite fast-food haunts spick and span.
The now-infamous 21-second clip, filmed by @zoestiktok at the 24-hour McDonald’s on Boat Harbour Drive in Hervey Bay, has racked up over 80,000 views and nearly 300 comments.
In the video, Zoe takes viewers on a not-so-appetising tour of the restaurant, highlighting empty packaging, food scraps, and overflowing bins both inside and out.
'It’s filthy,' she declares, urging the store to 'Do better!' and expressing disbelief that the restaurant was still open given the 'disgusting' state and 'horrid' smell.
McDonald’s Australia was quick to respond, issuing a statement that emphasised their commitment to high standards:
'We are committed to giving our customers a great experience every time they visit one of our restaurants. We follow strict cleaning, sanitisation, and hygiene procedures in all restaurants, including routine dining room cleaning, and provide multiple bins in and around our restaurants, encouraging customers to use these to dispose of their rubbish.'
'We are working with the restaurant to ensure we continue to offer a safe and clean environment and a great customer experience.'
But the real drama unfolded in the comments section, where the blame game began. Instead of rallying behind Zoe, many viewers turned the tables—literally—by pointing fingers at customers for not cleaning up after themselves.
'Why are we just blaming the restaurant? Why aren’t the consumers cleaning up after themselves?' one commenter asked, echoing a sentiment that resonated with many.
Others were less diplomatic, labelling Zoe a 'Karen' and challenging her to try working a shift herself. Fast-food workers chimed in, sharing their own experiences of being stretched thin and unable to keep up with cleaning during busy periods.
'As a fast food worker, we literally never get time to change bins or clean,' one user explained.
'There is always something else that takes first priority. People don’t seem to understand how demanding our managers are,' added another.
Some staff pointed out that while bins and cleaning supplies are provided, it’s not always possible to keep up with the mess, especially during a rush.
'It’s not fair on us if we are mid-rush and people are complaining about messes other customers have made,' one worker said, highlighting the 'lose-lose' situation many young employees face.
Of course, not everyone disagreed with Zoe. A handful of commenters supported her, noting that while customers should do their part, it’s ultimately up to staff and management to ensure bins are emptied and the restaurant is clean.
'I’m a customer who will always tidy up after myself, but it’s hard if the bins aren’t emptied–that’s down to staff and management,' one person wrote.
Another local added, 'Unfortunately, that’s always been Hervey Bay Maccas for you, it’s never changed.'
This isn’t the first time Macca’s has come under fire for hygiene issues. A YouGov survey last year found that 37 per cent of Aussies have witnessed hygiene or safety issues at their local fast-food outlets.
And who could forget the infamous incident at another Queensland McDonald’s, where a staff member was caught drying a mop under the same heat lamps used for French fries?
That episode led to a staff sacking and a round of retraining for all employees.
So, what’s really going on here? Is it the responsibility of staff to keep things spotless, or should customers be pitching in by cleaning up after themselves?
The answer, as with most things, probably lies somewhere in the middle. Fast-food restaurants are high-traffic, fast-paced environments, and while staff are trained to maintain hygiene, they’re often run off their feet.
On the other hand, a little courtesy from customers—like popping your rubbish in the bin—can go a long way.
For our Seniors Discount Club members, this story is a timely reminder to look for cleanliness wherever you dine and speak up if you spot something amiss.
After all, we all deserve a clean, safe place to enjoy our cuppa and fries!
Have you ever encountered a less-than-clean fast-food restaurant? Do you think it’s up to the staff, the customers, or both to keep things tidy? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.
Read more: 'Is that how you maintain the hygiene of the food?': Shocking kitchen incident raises alarms
A recent video has put the spotlight on the cleanliness of one McDonald’s, sparking a nationwide debate about who’s really responsible for keeping our favourite fast-food haunts spick and span.
The now-infamous 21-second clip, filmed by @zoestiktok at the 24-hour McDonald’s on Boat Harbour Drive in Hervey Bay, has racked up over 80,000 views and nearly 300 comments.
In the video, Zoe takes viewers on a not-so-appetising tour of the restaurant, highlighting empty packaging, food scraps, and overflowing bins both inside and out.
'It’s filthy,' she declares, urging the store to 'Do better!' and expressing disbelief that the restaurant was still open given the 'disgusting' state and 'horrid' smell.
A McDonald’s in Hervey Bay was exposed in a video showing rubbish, food scraps, and an overflowing outdoor bin. Credit: @zoestiktok_ / TikTok
McDonald’s Australia was quick to respond, issuing a statement that emphasised their commitment to high standards:
'We are committed to giving our customers a great experience every time they visit one of our restaurants. We follow strict cleaning, sanitisation, and hygiene procedures in all restaurants, including routine dining room cleaning, and provide multiple bins in and around our restaurants, encouraging customers to use these to dispose of their rubbish.'
'We are working with the restaurant to ensure we continue to offer a safe and clean environment and a great customer experience.'
But the real drama unfolded in the comments section, where the blame game began. Instead of rallying behind Zoe, many viewers turned the tables—literally—by pointing fingers at customers for not cleaning up after themselves.
'Why are we just blaming the restaurant? Why aren’t the consumers cleaning up after themselves?' one commenter asked, echoing a sentiment that resonated with many.
Others were less diplomatic, labelling Zoe a 'Karen' and challenging her to try working a shift herself. Fast-food workers chimed in, sharing their own experiences of being stretched thin and unable to keep up with cleaning during busy periods.
'As a fast food worker, we literally never get time to change bins or clean,' one user explained.
'There is always something else that takes first priority. People don’t seem to understand how demanding our managers are,' added another.
Some staff pointed out that while bins and cleaning supplies are provided, it’s not always possible to keep up with the mess, especially during a rush.
'It’s not fair on us if we are mid-rush and people are complaining about messes other customers have made,' one worker said, highlighting the 'lose-lose' situation many young employees face.
Of course, not everyone disagreed with Zoe. A handful of commenters supported her, noting that while customers should do their part, it’s ultimately up to staff and management to ensure bins are emptied and the restaurant is clean.
'I’m a customer who will always tidy up after myself, but it’s hard if the bins aren’t emptied–that’s down to staff and management,' one person wrote.
Another local added, 'Unfortunately, that’s always been Hervey Bay Maccas for you, it’s never changed.'
And who could forget the infamous incident at another Queensland McDonald’s, where a staff member was caught drying a mop under the same heat lamps used for French fries?
That episode led to a staff sacking and a round of retraining for all employees.
So, what’s really going on here? Is it the responsibility of staff to keep things spotless, or should customers be pitching in by cleaning up after themselves?
The answer, as with most things, probably lies somewhere in the middle. Fast-food restaurants are high-traffic, fast-paced environments, and while staff are trained to maintain hygiene, they’re often run off their feet.
For our Seniors Discount Club members, this story is a timely reminder to look for cleanliness wherever you dine and speak up if you spot something amiss.
After all, we all deserve a clean, safe place to enjoy our cuppa and fries!
Read more: 'Is that how you maintain the hygiene of the food?': Shocking kitchen incident raises alarms
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