Arby’s Spit-in-Food Herpes Lawsuit: Oklahoma Fast Food Scandal Sparks National Outrage in 2026
- Teo Drinkovic
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
A disturbing case out of Oklahoma has ignited national debate over food safety, employee misconduct, and corporate responsibility in the fast-food industry.
According to multiple reports and court filings, a former Arby’s manager, Amanda Hendricks, has been charged with felony food poisoning after allegedly spitting into a customer’s order during a late-night drive-thru visit in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. The customer, Jennica Church, later filed a civil lawsuit claiming she developed oral herpes (HSV-1) after consuming the food she purchased that evening.
The incident reportedly took place in March 2026 after the church stopped at the restaurant following a long work shift. She claims she took the meal home and shared it with her family, including elderly relatives. Soon after, she began experiencing unusual symptoms, later testing positive for HSV-1. Church has since connected her diagnosis to the alleged contamination incident, stating that surveillance footage and witness claims support her case.
Court documents and investigative reports suggest that surveillance video from the restaurant shows the manager leaning over food preparation areas and allegedly spitting onto sandwich components before serving them. Law enforcement officials reportedly became involved after another employee raised concerns, prompting a review of the footage and subsequent criminal charges.
The lawsuit also alleges that the situation may have been mishandled internally. Church’s legal team claims that instead of fully addressing the incident, staff allegedly attempted to offer minimal compensation, including free food and a symbolic cash offer, which the family has publicly criticized.
Beyond the courtroom battle, the case has sparked broader discussion about hygiene standards and oversight in fast-food environments. Public reaction has been intense, with many questioning how such an alleged incident could occur unnoticed in a busy restaurant chain known nationwide for its quick service operations.
Arby’s has not issued detailed public comments regarding the ongoing litigation, and the criminal case against the former manager is still developing.
While herpes simplex virus type 1 is medically common and often transmitted through close contact, this case has drawn attention due to the allegations of intentional contamination and the presence of video evidence, which prosecutors say plays a central role in the investigation.
As the legal process continues, both the criminal charges and civil lawsuit are expected to unfold over the coming months, potentially revealing more details about what actually happened inside the Broken Bow restaurant that night.
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