An Arby’s manager in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is facing felony charges after authorities say she spit in a customer’s food while suffering from an active herpes outbreak.
Amanda Hendricks, 38, was arrested Sunday and charged with felony poisoning with intent to injure. The incident occurred on March 28 at the drive-thru when a customer ordered food late at night. Court records and surveillance footage reviewed by investigators allegedly show Hendricks lowering her head toward sandwich meat on a slicer, with saliva falling onto the food.
The victim ate part of the sandwich immediately and shared the rest with family members, including a mother-in-law in hospice care. She later developed symptoms including a lesion on her lip and tested positive for HSV-1, according to a related civil lawsuit against the restaurant.
A fellow employee reportedly tipped off police, prompting the investigation. Warrants and interviews confirmed details of the alleged tampering. The lawsuit claims Arby’s allowed Hendricks to work despite visible lesions from her outbreak.
No other customers are known to have been affected, and there are no reports of widespread illness from the location. The McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office handled the criminal case. Arby’s has confirmed Hendricks is no longer with the company.
The case has drawn attention to food safety and employee health protocols in the fast-food industry. Health officials remind the public that while herpes transmission through food is uncommon, direct contamination poses risks.
Hendricks remains in custody at the McCurtain County Jail as proceedings continue.
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