BBC series Watchdog is used to blowing the lid off various hidden scandals across the country and tonight was no exception.
Using their team’s Swab Mob to uncover the truth about bacteria levels in the nation’s favourite pastime, presenter Nikki Fox met up with a professional to discuss the results.
Nikki revealed the team had tested 30 branches of Odeon, Cineworld and Vue cinemas in the UK, and came back with a worrying revelation.
Firstly, the team found the presence of a bacteria called listeria in the cupholder at one branch.
What’s more, salmonella was found in another and a number of branches had unacceptable levels of bacteria on seats, in drinks cups and in the ice cubes from drinks machines.
The horrifying information led to extreme reactions from many viewers, who were concerned about the possibility of getting ill from their cinema experience.
Taking to Twitter, they shared their feelings on the issue.
One person wrote: “Omg is anyone watching #Watchdog … I will never get a cinema drink again.”
“#watchdog ewww I’m going to take my own drink to the cinema next time,” another disgusted viewer shared.
A third agreed: “Wow I don’t want to have any drinks at the cinema anymore #Watchdog.”
While a fourth decided: “Looks like I’m not stepping inside a cinema for a while #watchdog.”
Some viewers weren’t surprised at the show’s reveal, as they had predicted it for a while.
“Not surprised about the bacteria in cinema pump drinks, been thinking this forever at fast food places etc #watchdog,” one person admitted.
One self-proclaimed former employee even spoke out on the issue, claiming: “#watchdog as someone who used to work in a cinema I have never bought cinema snacks.”
Another upset fan said: “#watchdog #cineworld #vue #odeon Cinemas charge very high prices for a film experience, why can’t you put in place stringent measures to ensure equipment is cleaned correctly?
“You earn more than enough on the confectionery & your margins are extortionate so please treat us well!”
“Watchdog exposing cinema drinks!!!! You guys need to watch it now THIS IS WHY I BUY MY OWN BOTTLED WATER @BBCOne #Watchdog,” another person added.
Watchdog’s presenter Nikki contacted all three cinemas for a comment on their findings during tonight’s instalment.
Due, Odeon and Cineworld all replied and said they were disappointed to learn of the findings and were taking every effort to conduct their own investigations into the conditions at their cinemas.
They added they take stringent measures to ensure the best quality of environment for their customers.
Watchdog continues Wednesdays at 8pm on BBC One.
