More than 1,000 diners at a New York McDonald’s may have been exposed to hepatitis A by an employee, a new potential class-action lawsuit against the operator of the fast food restaurant claims. 

The suit, filed against McDonald’s operator Jascor, came just a week after the Seneca County Health Department confirmed a worker at the restaurant had tested positive for the virus, which can cause contagious liver infections, Reuters reports.

Jascor allegedly failed to exercise proper care in assuring that its employees obtained hepatitis A immunizations and for allowing one or more employee to work while infected with the virus, according to the complaint.

The plaintiff, who consumed food from the restaurant on at least one day the infected employee worked, claims that McDonald’s is liable because it sold food and drink that may have been contaminated with the virus.

A food worker with hepatitis A can contaminate food, drinks, utensils and dishes by failing to wash his or her hands after going to the bathroom.

While public health officials have said diners of the fast food joint had a low risk of contracting the illness, customers who consumed food from the restaurant on Nov. 2-3, Nov. 5-6 and Nov. 8 were urged to consider treatments if they were not previously vaccinated against the virus.

The county hosted clinics over the weekend for those who may have been exposed. Additionally, shots were being offered at country office buildings this week, The Finger Lakes Times reports.

McDonald’s operator sued after diners exposed to hepatitis A [Reuters]
Class action complaint filed over hepatitis incident at McDonald’s [The Finger Lakes Times]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.