CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) — A jury has ruled that McDonald’s Corp. discriminated against a restaurant manager who claimed he was forced out of his job after the company learned he had AIDS.
I have mixed feelings about this suit. I spent 32 years in the restaurant business. As far back as 1985 we were in contact with the CDC concerning blood contamination in food. At that time, and as far as I know even now, the CDC’s contention is that blood products consumed in food would be killed by stomach enzimes. So, that part isn’t the issue.
What the issue is about, is the fact that all public service people, paramedics, police, firemen, and medical personnel are instructed to use covered protection when dealing with patients who are bleeding. What the CDC does say, is that blood products can get into a persons body through cuts, cracks from dry skin, open sores.
Now, I want you to think about the next statement. Virtually every food service worker cut themselves, with knives, sharp edges on equipment, broken glassware. They are physically in touch with customers through handling of plates, glass’s, and money. This also includes those in management. There is no such thing, especially in fast food, as a manager who doesn’t get dirty. They are working managers. They jump in wherever they are needed, from food prep, to picking up the trash, on the lot.
No, their blood won’t hurt you in the food, according to the CDC, but their blood , getting on your skin can. And….that is also from the CDC.
So, I sympathize with this manager for losing his wages and healthcare. But, for the greater good of the general population, all food service workers should be actively tested, not only for HIV, but for Hepatitus (Remember Chi-Chi’s?) as well. If they test positive, they would no longer be permitted in food service.
We are so concerned with Terrorists poisoning our food and water, that we have failed to see the biggest danger that we face.
Ourselves.