- Dairy Queen workers say a manager forced them to eat ice cream contaminated with cleaning products.
- The mother of one of the teenagers who made the accusation told local news that many of the targeted workers were minors.
- The local Kentucky Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating the allegations.
The local Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating allegations that Kentucky Dairy Queen employees were forced to eat ice cream contaminated with cleaning fluid, local outlet WKYT reported Tuesday.
Angela Patton told the media her 17-year-old daughter was one of the employees involved in the incident at the Dairy Queen factory in the small city of Campton.
“The manager told them whether they liked chocolate ice cream or not, they were going to try it today,” Patton told WKYT.
Barton told the outlet that about eight employees, many of them minors, were involved in the incident and that their managers told the workers that they had not properly cleaned the ice cream machines and would be served contaminated ice cream as punishment.
Some of them experienced burning sensations while eating ice cream and sought treatment, she said. Business Insider could not confirm these claims.
“The safety of our fans and staff is our top priority,” franchise owner Steve Caudill told BI in a statement. “When we received the complaint, we immediately began an investigation, which is ongoing. We are reviewing our processes and covering the costs of the crew member involved. The manager involved is no longer employed by our restaurant. Please note that we have been contacted local law enforcement to assist and resolve the issue.” We are fully cooperating with their investigation. “
The Wolfe County Sheriff’s Office told WKYT they are investigating the allegations. Deputy Elijah Banks told the outlet that little can be said about the ongoing investigation because it involves juveniles, but Wolf County officials are in contact with the county prosecutor to determine next steps.
The Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from INS outside regular business hours.
No charges have been filed.
February 28, 2024: This story has been updated with response from the owner of the Dairy Queen franchise.
