UNION, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – The Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor provided an update on the pending investigation into alleged food tampering at the Wendy’s restaurant in Union.
Back in June, FOX Carolina reported that three women were charged with tampering with a human drug product or food item after a customer reported to police that they tampered with her food.
The solicitor’s office said it has now determined that the most appropriate charge is adulteration of food.
The solicitor’s office reports food is deemed unadulterated if it has been “produced, prepared, or held under unsanitary conditions whereby it has become contaminated with filth.”
Trinity Lashell Rice (left), Aaliyah Shuntai Sanders (center), Shadella Holley (right)(Union Public Safety)
According to a report from the Union Public Safety Department, a customer requested a refund after purchasing food from the drive-thru.
After receiving back the food that staff said was remade, the report states that an employee advised her not to eat the food that was given to her because it had been placed in a trash can, taken out, spit on and then rewrapped before being given to her.
The solicitor said a review of in-store surveillance video showed that the bag containing the food was briefly placed in a trash can. However, the food remained wrapped throughout that time.
The bag was taken out of the trash can, the food was rewrapped and then given to the customer, according to the solicitor.
The solicitor said the food was not spit on or otherwise physically tampered with by any employees.
“Under South Carolina law, a conviction for tampering with a food product requires proof that a person intentionally committed an act to the actual food product with the intent to cause bodily harm to the person who would consume it. Based on the evidence currently available, that element cannot be proven in this case. While placing a bag containing wrapped food into a trash can is unacceptable conduct, it cannot reasonably be expected to contaminate the food itself in a manner likely to cause illness,” the solicitor said.
The solicitor said the office continues working with Union Public Safety to determine what criminal charges, if any, are appropriate based on the evidence and applicable South Carolina law.
Anyone with questions is asked to call the solicitor’s office at (864) 429-1639.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with FOX Carolina. For more free content like this, download our apps.
Copyright 2026 WHNS. All rights reserved.
