A customer in Wellington, New Zealand, received a startling and unpleasant surprise after inadvertently consuming soy sauce from a Coca-Cola bottle purchased during a work break. The incident occurred at One Sushi on Manners Street, highlighting a bizarre mix-up stemming from an anti-theft measure gone awry.
Unwelcome Discovery During Lunch Break
On Tuesday morning, a customer identified as JT selected a Coca-Cola bottle from the fridge at One Sushi while on a work break. After returning to his worksite and taking a drink, he immediately felt unwell due to the unexpected taste and contents. Realising something was amiss, JT promptly returned to the store to address the issue.
Apology and Explanation from Store Management
Staff at One Sushi apologised for the error and exchanged the soy sauce-filled bottle for a genuine Coca-Cola. The store's owner, Jim Jiang, explained the unusual background to the situation. Initially, the shop had placed Coca-Cola bottles near the till to promote meal deals, but these were frequently stolen by thieves.
In an attempt to deter further thefts, the store decided to replace the real Coca-Cola in these display bottles with soy sauce. However, a new staff member accidentally placed one of these fake bottles in the fridge, mistaking it for actual Coca-Cola, leading to the customer's distressing experience.
Changes in Store Policy and Customer Reaction
Mr Jiang stated that he would no longer display the fake Coca-Cola bottles near the till to prevent future mishaps. Despite the unsettling incident, JT expressed his intention to return to One Sushi, praising the food quality and describing the staff as honest and hardworking people. He told local media that he enjoys their sushi, indicating a forgiving attitude towards the error.
Public Amusement and Social Media Response
The story quickly garnered attention, with many New Zealanders finding humour in the accident. Comments on social media ranged from calling it an "all-time prank" to imagining the shock of taking a big gulp on a hot day. Some users shared similar prank stories, such as filling a Coke bottle with malt vinegar, while others joked about the novelty of a "Soy Sauce Zero" beverage. This lighthearted reaction contrasted with the customer's initial discomfort, showcasing the incident's viral appeal.
Overall, this event underscores the unintended consequences of retail anti-theft strategies and the importance of clear staff training to avoid such mix-ups, while also reflecting the community's ability to find comedy in everyday mishaps.
