Mum says daughter could have 'choked to death' on plastic packaging found in Chatham McDonald's wrap delivered by Just Eat
Published: 18:27, 22 October 2022
Updated: 18:29, 22 October 2022
A mum said her daughter could have "choked to death" after a four-inch piece of packaging was found in a McDonald's chicken and bacon wrap.
And after confronting a manager at the Chatham High Street restaurant, she is incensed she was only offered a refund or free meal of the same price.
Mel Cole placed a £14 Just Eat order for herself and her daughter, Chloe, to be delivered to their Chatham home on Tuesday morning.
As the 20-year-old ate hers in her bedroom she suddenly rushed downstairs holding the object she had retrieved from the back of her throat.
Sales assistant Mel went to the High Street diner later that evening, demanding an explanation from a manager.
She said: "He told me it was a serious matter and he would try and find out how it happened.
"He seemed uncaring and did not ask how my daughter was.
"When he offered me a free meal or a refund I told him that was not good enough. She could have died.
"Luckily she managed to get it out, but a child or older person might not have done so. And who knows what might have happened?
"I want to make people aware of this as it could happen to somebody else."
Chloe, who is also a sales assistant, at Iceland, in Chatham High Street, was left "distressed", according to her 46-year-old mum.
Mel, who is married to Lee and also has son Ashley, 24, said: "It was very frightening. We won't be using that McDonald's again – definitely not."
A spokesman for the fast-food giant said: "We are sorry to hear about this customer’s experience. Food safety is of the utmost importance to us and we place great emphasis on quality control, following rigorous standards in order to avoid any imperfections.
"Following an investigation the restaurant confirmed this was a case of human error and all staff have been reminded of the importance of the correct procedures."
The restaurant is due to shut from mid-January for a major revamp.
This will include the introduction of a takeaway entrance to separate the dine-in customers and couriers to increase efficiency and comfort.
A McDonald's spokesman said the company hopes the work will be completed in March. While renovation takes place, staff will be moved to other restaurants in the area.
Changes will also include a new customer lift, the accessible bathroom moved to the first floor, and a new service lift to accommodate table service on the first floor.
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Nicola Jordan