Customer Claims Arby's Manager Spat on Food, Gave Her Herpes

An Oklahoma woman has sued Arby's and a former restaurant manager, claiming the employee deliberately spat in her food during an active oral herpes outbreak. This incident, which allegedly occurred in late March at a Broken Bow Arby's, resulted in the customer contracting the virus. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the manager spitting into the food before it was served.

The customer developed a cold sore and later tested positive for oral herpes, which she believes was transmitted via the contaminated food. Her family has expressed severe emotional distress over fears of spreading the herpes simplex virus Type 1 (HSV-1) among themselves, impacting intimate family interactions.

Following the allegations, the former manager was arrested and charged with felony poisoning of food with intent to injure. The civil lawsuit names Arby's and its operators, alleging staff failed to intervene. The family is seeking damages for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and emotional distress. The case remains ongoing.