UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT

Hospital administration apologizes over ‘small insect’ getting into food

Hospital administration apologizes over ‘small insect’ getting into food

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital administration is “concerned and apologetic’’ over a visitor finding a worm in her food while eating in the hospital cafeteria.

“Unfortunately, an incident did occur earlier this week at the hospital in which a small insect was found on a piece of lettuce that was part of a submarine sandwich prepared by hospital food services staff and sold in the cafeteria,’’ says hospital CEO Jamie MacDonald.

“This is the first time in years that such an incident has taken place.’’

Riley Wagner posted on Facebook details of her unsettling lunch while visiting her mother and newborn brother at the hospital.

“Over half way through eating my sub I look down in the package it was in and I see a worm,’’ she posted.

“I immediately stand up and spit out the food in my mouth. I started crying and screaming. My poor mother was so confused until she saw it. She immediately walked it over to the cafeteria workers to confront them.’’

Wagner added in her post that she was “extremely disappointed’’ in how the situation was handled.

MacDonald says the hospital’s director responsible for nutrition services, along with the manager, met with Wagner to document, in detail, her experience.

She says the manager followed up with the hospital’s food services staff and dieticians to discuss the incident and remind them of the importance of being diligent in inspecting and washing produce before beginning meal preparation, especially when handling large volumes of produce, to ensure nothing is missed.

“Like the hospital’s administration, they, too, were concerned and apologetic that this unfortunate situation occurred,’’ says MacDonald.

“The QEH has taken this incident very seriously. We take pride in holding our staff to the highest standard.’’

MacDonald notes all food service staff is required to complete a one-day food safety course presented by health inspectors and to ensure that they are re-certified every five years.

“The hospital’s food preparation, storage and service areas also undergo regular inspection and follow the appropriate health and safety standards,’’ she adds.

“We have also taken the time to remind our staff of the importance of good customer service practices.’’