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“The other thing we have to remember,” he said, “is the possibility of contamination on the food preparation surfaces and utensils.”

"We don't even have utensils to cook food."

Haidilao has apologised to customers, saying it has replaced all hotpot equipment and dining utensils, as well as disinfecting other crockery and utensils.

"I brought just my clothes and some kitchen utensils," she says.

To her surprise, the volunteer who handed the meal to her — a beef and rice dish, an orange and a plastic packet of utensils — was the former vice president.