Just Eat Apologizes for AI-Generated Food Images After Online Backlash

Just Eat has issued an apology after a trial of artificial intelligence-generated food images led to bizarre and inaccurate depictions of menu items, sparking online mockery. The company stated it is in the process of removing the erroneous images and will halt further use of the AI tool until it is further developed.

The AI was being tested to create visuals for food items that did not yet have photographs. However, the technology produced several unusual creations, including "chip muffins" – depicted as muffins with potato chips embedded in them – and a "bacon and egg soda" that showed ingredients floating in a glass of cola. This last error is believed to stem from the AI confusing "soda" (a carbonated drink) with "soda bread."

Other misinterpretations included "salt and pepper chips" appearing as plain chips heavily seasoned with salt and pepper, and a "cheese roll" being rendered as sushi rolls filled with cheese. A "chip muffin and sauce" was depicted as a tray of baked goods with chips inside.

![A screenshot of an AI-generated image on Just Eat showing a white box of several "chip muffins" - brown cakes with potato chips in them next to a pot of brown sauce. The description says "Chip Muffin and Sauce in a Tray"]( "What some parts of Manchester call a "chip muffin" - also known as a chip butty - causing the AI to invent a dish which seemingly involved baking potato into bread")

A Just Eat spokesperson commented, "We work with tens of thousands of small restaurants on their food imagery, including funding professional local photographers. We've been trialling AI-enhanced images, and as with any new technology, it isn't always quite right the first time."

The company also noted that AI-generated images on its platform are labeled to indicate their origin. The incident highlights the challenges companies can face when implementing AI for operational tasks, particularly when the technology struggles with nuanced language and context.

Social media users, particularly on Reddit, shared screenshots of the AI's peculiar creations. While some found the images humorous, others expressed concern that misleading AI-generated visuals could lead to customer disappointment if they set unrealistic expectations for the actual dishes served.