Tsingtao responds to viral video showing a Chinese beer worker urinating into a tank

Important Points

Tsingtao stated in a press release that the incident was reported "at the first opportunity" and that the malt batch had been sealed from further use.

Tsingtao Brewery, a Chinese beer manufacturer, said on Monday that they had contacted the authorities regarding a viral video that showed a member of staff urinating in one of their tanks. An investigation is underway.

The video, which has been viewed tens of millions of times since it was posted on Weibo social media site Thursday, shows a uniformed male climbing over a wall to reach the container and urinating inside.

Tsingtao Brewery, China's 2nd largest brewery, stated in a press release that the incident was reported "at the first opportunity."

The batch of malt was sealed and not to be used.

The company has taken immediate action to inform the authorities of the incident. "The public security authorities are currently involved in the investigations," said the statement.

Tsingtao - a beer brand that is ubiquitous in East Asia - did not confirm whether the person on the video was a Tsingtao employee in its statement.

Many netizens on Weibo criticized the video, saying that it made them dislike the beverage. Some people supported the brand and insisted that the company should thoroughly investigate the incident.

The company stated that it's production and operations are fully functional.

The company added, "At the moment the production and operations of the firm are normal in all respects."

Tsingtao Brewery shares fell dramatically when the Shanghai Stock Exchange opened on Monday. However, they recovered in afternoon trading. Hong Kong Stock Exchange was closed for public holiday on Monday.