Amazon worker asks people not to buy groceries from retail giant in viral TikTok video
The worker claims that malfunctions in automatic packaging machines are damaging groceries
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An individual claiming to be an Amazon employee took to TikTok to beg shoppers to quit buying their food and drinks from the retail behemoth.
A TikTok user with the handle @rxggiv sparked interest after they posted a video of themselves sorting packages at what appears to be an Amazon warehouse.
A caption alongside the video asks consumers not to use Amazon for their grocery needs.
"A little advice from an Amazon employee...[please] stop buying beverages or food products from Amazon," the video said.
The TikTok user explained why they made the video in the comments.
According to @rxggiv, there is nothing wrong with the food or drinks Amazon sells. However, they claim that when the automated packaging machines malfunction, it results in spills and damaged foods. Those spills and issues then allegedly cause further malfunctions, thus creating a cycle of damaged goods.
Amazon – already an extremely important player in the US economy pre-pandemic – became an indispensable service for many people during the lockdowns in 2020. Amazon said its grocery deliveries tripled in the second quarter of 2020.
Though the US is no longer observing a lockdown, the pandemic is still with us and many people – including the elderly, those with disabilities, and the immunocompromised – continue to rely on the shipping giant for their groceries.
A user commenting on @rxggiv's video noted that their mother was an individual who relied on Amazon for her groceries.
"Well my mom depends on Amazon [and] idk what to tell her tbh," the commenter wrote.
The Amazon worker replied with another video, telling the commenter that he understood and sympathised with anyone who was forced to rely on Amazon for their grocery needs, but recommended that individuals with disabilities or others that regularly use the service consider alternatives.
"If you are disabled, or you just rely on Amazon, if it's possible, please get your groceries from another online grocery shopping thing," they said during the video.
Users in the comments offered their own recommendations for alternatives, including DoorDash and Instacart.
The Independent has reached out to Amazon for comment.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments