Crab stick enthusiasts are turning their backs on this beloved savory treat after a disturbing video surfaced, revealing the unsettling truth about its production process at the world’s largest faux crustacean processing plant.
Published on July 18, 2023, the video has sent shockwaves through the online community, prompting a wave of revulsion and a drastic change in consumer preferences. In the footage, filmed in Thailand, where the plant is located, viewers are confronted with an unsettling glimpse into the making of these faux seafood delicacies.
Previously hailed as a convenient and tasty alternative to real crab, the crab stick has now fallen from grace. A Reddit post detailing the manufacturing process has become a viral sensation, leaving disillusioned fans to draw a comparison to a “fish hotdog.”
The video, available on YouTube in an extended version, begins by boasting about the hygienic production of surimi crab sticks, claiming the use of pure tender meat and natural pigments. However, what follows is far from appetizing.
In the chilling scenes, workers can be seen forcefully inserting frozen fish meat, resembling white bricks of cocaine, into a shredding machine. The meat is then pulverized and transferred to another contraption, where it is blended with salt and egg white. To the shock of many viewers, real crab is conspicuously absent from the process.
As the video progresses, copious amounts of ice cubes, sugar, and vegetable oil are dumped into the mixture. The resulting beige sludge is then subjected to a giant rotating crisp, transforming it into a peculiar, noodle-like shape. Finally, the concoction is coated with the familiar traffic cone orange hue that defines crab sticks, thanks to a dyed surimi casing.
Surimi, a versatile paste made from fish or meat, is commonly used to imitate a range of seafood, including eel and, in this case, crab. These artificially created treats serve as seafood substitutes in various dishes, such as Vietnamese pho and crab rangoon.
The behind-the-scenes footage of the manufacturing process has left viewers feeling uneasy and disenchanted. One Redditor exclaimed, “Watching processed food being made really puts you off,” while another bluntly stated, “Yaaaaa, I don’t want anything to do with that.”
The revelation that the crab sticks are essentially fish hotdogs has further dampened the enthusiasm of once-loyal consumers. One commenter humorously remarked, “The only ingredient I could identify was the ice,” highlighting the lack of transparency and the artificial nature of the product.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that a behind-the-scenes glimpse into food processing has caused a stir. Similar revelations, such as the creation of McDonald’s McRib burger, have prompted customers to rethink their fast-food choices. Even the discovery of what the acronym SPAM stands for has bewildered internet food enthusiasts.
With this latest exposé on the production of crab sticks, it seems that more and more consumers are opting for natural, unprocessed alternatives. The world’s largest crab stick processing plant may need to reassess its methods if it wishes to regain the trust and loyalty of its former fan base.
As the video circulates and public awareness grows, the once-beloved crab stick faces an uncertain future. Whether this revelation will permanently tarnish its reputation or prompt a revolution in the food industry remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for further updates as the crab stick controversy continues to unfold.
