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MrBeast’s ‘Lunchly’ mold controversy explained
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MrBeast’s ‘Lunchly’ mold controversy explained

At noon, the prepackaged meal created by YouTube trio MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), Logan Paul, and Olajide “KSI” Olatunji had a controversial launch; now, Lunchly has been hit with claims that the packages contain mold.

At lunch comes in three flavors – pizza, turkey stack ’ems and nachos and all come with one of MrBeast’s Delicious chocolate bars, along with a small bottle of Prime, Paule and KSI“hydration drink”.

The product was enthusiastically promoted by the three YouTubers, but faced public skepticism and scrutiny.

What was the first “lunch” controversy?

Lunchly was billed as a slightly healthier alternative to Lunchables when it first launched, but those claims were quickly disputed by creators Rosanna Pansino and Doctor Mike.

Minecraft YouTuber DanTDM criticized the trio for “selling crap to kids who don’t know any better than to trust the people selling it”, suggesting that the product launch was antithetical to the spirit of YouTube.

Dan’s post sparked long, defensive responses and video responses from both Logan Paul and KSI.

MrBeast chose to respond to an aggregator news account, DramaAlert, to defend the product and has since remained silent.

What is the Lunchly mold controversy?

Part of the argument for Lunchly is that the product is “made with real cheese,” compared to “cheese product” used in Lunchables.

Baking YouTuber and longtime MrBeast critic Rosanna Pansino recently posted a YouTube video titled “I Tried Lunchly…it was SICK!”

The title pretty much sums it up—in the video, Pansino opens a Lunchly kit to perform a taste test only to discover what appears to be mold inside the product’s real cheese.

Pansino previously battled MrBeast, accusing him of editing it from third place in a hide and seek challenge. Pansino has since been an outspoken critic of MrBeast and has been asked the value of his charitable publicity stunts.

After MrBeast fans accused Pansino of being biased and faking the mold video, she posted the crude, uncut footage of her opening the Lunchly package. After filming his video, Pansino POSTED a photo of the mold, writing:

“Please be careful everyone. This is not safe and it is not okay. Especially for children!”

“Lunchly” faces multiple mold allegations

Pansino isn’t the only one who has claimed to have found mold in Lunchly.

More videos on TikTok shows moldy cheese in Lunchly packages, and Twitch streamer aSpicyCow appeared to find mold during a live stream. In an ironic twist, aSpicyCow was trying to prove that Pansino was biased, but ended up confirming her findings.

Reviewers joke that the Lunchly mold was treated as “unboxing rare Pokemon cards” or a golden ticket in a wonka bar; the health hazard became a meme.

Some commentators have speculate that the mold is caused by improper application of adhesive that did not seal the product, but this has not been officially confirmed by Lunchly.

Logan and KSI have since acknowledged the reaction on the “Impaulsive” podcast, but he laughed mold claims as attempts to get views and clicks at their expense.

MrBeast has yet to publicly acknowledge the mold claims.

In a statement to Daily Maillunchly said:

“All Lunchly products go through a strict review process to ensure the quality and safety of its products. This process consists of several inspections and approvals, including that of the USDA, before any product can leave the manufacturing facility.”

The ‘Lunchly’ mold is just the latest MrBeast controversy

For MrBeast, the Lunchly mold findings are yet another controversy in a long list (and a second food collaboration damaged his reputation).

The famous philanthropic YouTuber has recently been associated with several scandals.

Former MrBeast co-host Ava Kris Tyson was accused sexual misconduct and sending inappropriate messages to minors. Tyson has since left the channel and MrBeast said he was “disgusted and opposed” to her alleged behaviour.

MrBeast’s next competitive reality show Games with beastscreated in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios, has been criticized for creating “unsafe” working conditions.

Games with beasts competitors have sued both MrBeast and Amazon for allegations that include “chronic abuse,” neglect, and sexual harassment.

MrBeast’s the latest video“Seven days exploring an underground city,” he has underperformed compared to his previous releases, it has sparked speculation that the world’s biggest YouTuber is losing his touch or that the many scandals are catching up with him.

MrBeast’s carefully cultivated image is showing signs of rot, or rather mold.

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