Raw nuggets anyone?

By Monica Rodriguez

I'm sure your answer would be ‘no thank you.’ That is exactly what I said on April 22 to McDonald’s manager Kevin.

It was a typical Friday afternoon in Maricopa. Wanting to get the kids a treat, my husband and I went to our local McDonald’s off of John Wayne Parkway and ordered two happy meals to go with the four-piece chicken nuggets for our kids.

At home my three-year-old Jonathan went straight for his happy meal and, of course, wanted his toy opened first. Our older daughter wanted to take a quick shower before eating, so our son began eating his meal without her. After a couple chicken nuggets Jonathan was complaining to me that his nuggets were not good. I checked them and, sure enough, the remaining nuggets were completely raw inside.

I was surprised and angry that this happened. You may ask why Jonathan didn't complain sooner, but he has a speech impairment and isn't capable of doing so. I immediately checked my daughter’s happy meal which was still untouched and, sure enough, her nuggets were completely raw as well!

I gathered up the remaining food and drove straight to McDonald's. I asked to speak to the manager and right away Kevin assisted me. I showed him the food, and he agreed that the food was undercooked. He proceeded to write up an incident report where he took down our information and told me that if my son got sick to contact the franchise office. He then offered to replace our meals, and I said, ‘Your employees served us raw nuggets twice in a row. No, thank you.’ I was not offered a refund, just an apology and a number.

I walked out and came home to a sick child. Jonathan was sick the whole night with an upset stomach.

The next morning I immediately contacted environmental health and let them know about the unsanitary condition our food was given to us in. They assured me they would be sending out a health inspector to the location.

I took Jonathan to the doctor and, sure enough, he had a small case of food poisoning, He was put on the brat diet. The same day I called the franchise office and let them know that my child had gotten sick over their negligence and that they should train their employees properly. I was again given an apology and told we would be receiving a refund and happy meal coupons, which I did receive in the mail just four days later.

Needless to say I will not be taking my kids to McDonald’s again.

Submitted photos