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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Coupang Eats has suspended a newly introduced feature requiring delivery riders to verify order items, just one day after strong backlash from riders.
According to industry sources on the 28th, the company had added a “menu check” step to its rider app, asking couriers to confirm order contents—such as items and quantities—against receipts before pickup and tap a button indicating completion.
Coupang Eats said the feature aimed to prevent missing items during delivery. However, riders criticized the move as an attempt to shift responsibility for order errors onto them, raising concerns about liability and hygiene, particularly if sealed food packaging had to be opened.
Online rider communities voiced objections, with some arguing the feature could violate food safety regulations. Complaints were reportedly filed with the Food and Drug Safety Ministry and through public petition channels.
A Coupang Eats official said the feature was only a pilot program in select areas and did not involve penalties. “We encouraged checks only within what could be visually confirmed, such as whether drinks were included,” the company said, adding that the feature has now been discontinued.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
