There's A Big, Glaring Issue When It Comes To Buying Food From TikTok

If you're actively on TikTok, then it's likely hard to miss the latest food hack or trend when scrolling through the social media app. One mention from a social media influencer or with just pure algorithm luck can launch a product or hack into mainstream popularity. 

Ordinary dishes, such as the green goddess salad and baked feta pasta have surged in popularity. In fact, certain viral dishes may directly translate to a spike in grocery sales. According to Supermarket News, Instacart saw an increase in ingredients for green goddess salad in 2022. High-end grocery chain Erewhon went viral for its coconut cloud shakes, and Instacart orders for its ingredients also jumped up 1.7 times. Even restaurants benefit from exposure to TikTok. After a Chipotle Philly cheesesteak quesadilla hack went viral on TikTok, the fast-casual chain turned the secret menu item into an official menu item, Today reports.

Needless to say, TikTok is increasingly becoming a platform for brands and people to promote their own products and businesses. Most recently, a pink sauce and homemade pickled products went viral for seemingly all the wrong reasons. However, as more food entrepreneurs turn to TikTok to promote their homemade products, be sure to check glaring red flags before you buy food from TikTok.

Recently, people flocked to TikTok to rave and rant about the infamous pink sauce and Pickle Me Everything's pickled products. 

As the products gained traction online, the pink sauce and homemade pickled products were criticized by consumers for not disclosing and mislabeling ingredients, improper packaging, and causing sickness, according to The Washington Post. The California Department of Public Health issued a warning about buying Pickle Me Everything's products due to the risks of botulism. 

The attention led both businesses to address the criticism. Chef Pii, also known as Veronica Shaw, partnered with Dave's Gourmet to produce a pink sauce that meets FDA standards, which is now sold in Walmart. In February, Amy Mkhitarian, owner of Pickle Me Everything announced on TikTok she completed and received proper safety certifications.

It's risky to buy homemade products on TikTok as most lack health regulations. As Eater reports, large companies that are met with scrutiny have legal consequences to hold them accountable — Paul Kruse, former president of Blue Bell, was charged for trying to cover up the company's listeria-tainted ice cream. But, food entrepreneurs on TikTok can simply delete their accounts to avoid such critiques or consequences. Britanny Saunier, executive director of the non-profit Partnership for Food Safety Education told NBC News that online "enthusiasm" can lead people to blindly order food products without "understanding what's been done to make that food."

If you're looking to buy or sell food online, know that there are some guidelines that food businesses must follow. All food businesses, except restaurants, are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Businesses that intend to process, pack, and sell food must register with the FDA and follow certain requirements.  The FDA mandates that food products that are sold between state lines must contain food labels. A proper label including "nutrition labeling and labeling for the major food allergens." The FDA also routinely inspects businesses to ensure that they "comply with relevant regulations."

Proceed with caution when seeking to buy food from independent sellers on TikTok or any other social media platform. Sarah Koszyk, registered dietitian and co-founder of wellness company MIJA, told Verywell Health that consumers should check for a legitimate website "which can disclose the ingredients listed in the product and if there is any third party testing or verification."