An 18-year-old youth has been arrested after a video showing him licking a straw from a vending machine and placing it back went viral online, sparking widespread public concern.
The teen is a student at ESSEC Business School, though the incident did not occur on campus. The school confirmed the student’s enrollment but noted the vending machine incident did not occur on campus and said it has launched an internal review in line with its disciplinary protocols.
The incident involved a machine operated by iJooz, known for dispensing freshly squeezed orange juice. In the widely circulated clip, the teenager is seen removing a straw, licking it, and returning it to the dispenser—an act that raised serious hygiene and public safety concerns.
Police confirmed on Friday (Apr 3) that a report had been lodged and that the teen was arrested for public nuisance.
Investigations are ongoing.
The video was reportedly first shared on social media in mid-March before gaining traction after being reposted by a popular Instagram page, triggering backlash from netizens who condemned the behavior as irresponsible and unsafe.
iJooz said it became aware of the incident on Mar 24 and filed a police report the next day. The company added that it is cooperating fully with authorities.
In response, iJooz has stepped up safety measures across its machines, including more frequent inspections, replacing straws, and implementing stricter sanitation protocols.
The company also issued an apology, stating it takes the matter “extremely seriously” and is “deeply dismayed” that such an incident occurred.
Image via Facebook
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