A school cafeteria worker was caught mashing food with his boots, sparking outrage among locals.

The incident reportedly occurred at Xinyu No. 16 Middle School in Xinyu, Jiangxi, China, on January 14.

Shocking footage shows the worker, identified only as Jian, washing what appears to be peeled potatoes in water while mashing them in a bucket with his foot.

Wearing a wellie boot, he continues mashing the potatoes in the red bucket, pours out some of the water, refills the bucket, and repeats the process.

Local media reports say the Yushui District Education and Sports Bureau quickly launched an investigation and determined the footage was authentic.

They have since dismissed the school principal, named only Liu, and are planning to take further legal action against the employee involved.

The investigation is ongoing.