The assistant manager of a Burger King restaurant in South Carolina has been arrested after allegedly taking fries from the trash and selling them to customers.
The claims emerged from the restaurant on Duncan Bypass in Union, South Carolina, where 39-year-old Jaime Christine Major worked as assistant manager.
On 11 July, police received a complaint from Burger King headquarters with accusations that fries made at the restaurant were being thrown into a trashcan before being served to customers.
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After an investigation, officers claimed Major had taken the fries from the trash and added them to the container which is usually used to hold freshly cooked fries.
Major was accused of then adding the fresh fries to the container, on top of the dirty ones.
A warrant was issued for Major's arrest, and on Monday (17 July) police charged her with the felony charge of malicious tampering with human food.
A judge set Major's bond at $20,000. She was held at the Union County Detention Center, but was no longer in jail as of Thursday morning (20 July).
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Two days before police received the complaint from Burger King headquarters, the Union Police Department were called to the same restaurant on Duncan Bypass to reports of a disturbance.
Officers attended to the scene on 9 July and heard two women arguing with staff, making threats and using profanity during the exchange.
One of the officers asked the two women to calm down, but claimed they were still being loud and boisterous. The two women were then arrested on disorderly conduct charges.
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In a statement to People following Major's arrest, a spokesperson for Burger King said: "These allegations do not align to the brand's commitment to quality food and service and creating an exceptional Guest experience.
“The Franchisee of this restaurant is cooperating with local authorities and will take appropriate action based on the findings. As this remains an ongoing investigation, we are unable to share additional details at this time."
Reports have since emerged that Major has been fired from the restaurant.
Under South Carolina law, malicious tampering with a human drug product or food item with the intent to do bodily harm to a person can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
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Eating contaminated food can result in food poisoning, and can cause serious illness or even death in severe cases. Symptoms of food poisoning include feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and high temperature.
UNILAD has contacted Burger King and the Union Police Department for further comment.
Topics: US News, Food and Drink, Burger King
Emily Brown