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An Absurd and Dangerous Practice Caught Attention: People Licked Eggs in Supermarkets in an Attempt to Deliberately Contract Food Poisoning. The Objective Would Be to Sue Companies for Health Damages
An announcement made by a Russian businessman generated unusual scenes in supermarkets. Some people started licking eggs on the shelves in an attempt to contract food poisoning and receive a cash compensation.
The Promise That Turned Into Confusion
The case began with a crisis. The supermarket chain Zhiznmart, located in Yekaterinburg, was accused of selling contaminated food.
At least 18 people were hospitalized with symptoms of poisoning. The situation drew attention from the federal agency Rospotrebnadzor, responsible for consumer protection in Russia.
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In light of the negative backlash, the founder of the chain, Ivan Zaichenko, made a public promise: he would pay 1 million rubles (about US$ 11,000) to each person proven to be affected.
The intention was to repair the damages. But the proposal turned into an even bigger problem. Zaichenko’s statement spread on social media, and quickly people began to search for ways to get sick on purpose.
Some went beyond reason: they started licking eggs in the supermarket chain in the hope of getting contaminated.
Hospitals Full, Without Proofs
The news channel Baza, on Telegram, was one of the first to report on consumer behavior. According to reports, hospitals and Rospotrebnadzor itself began to receive a growing number of complaints related to Zhiznmart. However, many of these complaints did not come with solid evidence.
Zaichenko, in a new statement, criticized the situation. According to him, many of the allegations involved foods that had already been approved in tests or even products consumed weeks before.
He stated that his intention was to help those who had truly been harmed, but that the repercussions took an unexpected turn.
Compensation Restricted to 18 People
To curb abuses, the businessman clarified the criteria for compensation. Only the 18 people who were originally treated with suspected food poisoning and are listed in the official investigations by Rospotrebnadzor will be entitled to compensation. “We will take these lists from Rospotrebnadzor itself,” he said. “So, please, do not lick the eggs, it is dangerous.”
Zaichenko also vented: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” The case continues to generate debates in Russia, but the guidance is clear: no one will be rewarded for risking their own health.
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