An online rumor suggesting users of Meituan's food delivery platform could select couriers based on their academic qualifications has been officially refuted by the company.

A purported screenshot of a Meituan order that circulated recently displayed options to choose delivery services categorized by rider education levels, such as "Undergraduate Standard Delivery," "Master's Priority Delivery," and "Doctorate Premium Delivery," with corresponding fees of 8 yuan, 15 yuan, and 88 yuan.

The image further included text claiming the platform had verified the educational backgrounds and that the additional service charges were borne by the couriers themselves.

In response to inquiries, Meituan's customer service stated that after verification, this information is false and constitutes a rumor.

The service clarified that riders are not required to provide their educational background during registration, and the platform does not collect or have access to couriers' actual academic qualifications.

The company advised the public not to believe the false information being spread on short-video platforms.