A group calling itself Restaurant Owners of the Philippines (RestoPH) lashed at a TikTok couple on Tuesday for what it described as the "theft" of food as shown in a viral video that was meant to elicit laughs.

In the now deleted TikTok video uploaded by Chuck Aquino and Joe Abad, also known as Chuck and Joe, the couple was seen asking for additional servings of togarashi powder at a Japanese restaurant.

They would go on to fill up small jars with the Japanese spice blend, before nonchalantly placing these in a bag. They then walked out of the restaurant. The video garnered over two million views before it was taken down.

"We wish it to be made clear that we consider what they did as a form of theft, and once promoted on social media, theft no longer becomes petty. Restaurant losses are not casual matters to be used for a social experiment," RestoPH said in a strongly-worded statement.

"Our members have expressed outrage and disappointment over this video, which may encourage others, especially impressionable youth, to emulate the prank," it added.

The association called on social media personalities to avoid creating content that disrespects an industry and its workers just for the sake of views

"We appreciate influencers' contributions, but the quest for 'views' and 'hits' must be balanced with integrity. We are hopeful of the public’s support, as these kinds of acts should not be emulated for virality and 'comedy'," it said.

Chuck and Joe have since uploaded an apology over the video, although they defended their controversial content by saying that they are just urging netizens not to waste food