Food Safety Nightmare: Oklahoma Woman Sues Arby’s Over Intentional Herpes Contamination

Imagine stopping for a quick meal after a long day of work, only to discover that your dinner was intentionally contaminated. This is the harrowing reality for Jennica Church, an Oklahoma woman who is now embroiled in a legal battle against an Arby’s franchise and a former employee.

The lawsuit, filed in McCurtain County, alleges a disturbing act of malice: a restaurant worker reportedly spat on sandwiches while suffering from an active case of oral herpes, leading to the customer contracting the virus.

The Incident: A Meal That Changed Everything

On March 28, 2026, Jennica Church visited an Arby’s in Broken Bow. Exhausted and hungry, she ordered through the drive-through. While the meal seemed normal at the time, the aftermath was devastating. Shortly after, Church began experiencing painful lesions on her face, leading to a diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1).

The situation took a darker turn when Church’s daughter discovered a voice recording. In the audio, former manager Amanda Hendricks allegedly admitted to spitting in the food. Further investigations by police reportedly uncovered surveillance footage showing Hendricks spitting on meat and other ingredients before they were served.

Understanding HSV-1 and the Risks of Contamination

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) is commonly known as oral herpes. While often managed, an active outbreak with visible lesions increases the risk of transmission through direct contact or contaminated fluids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HSV-1 is highly contagious.

In this case, the lawsuit argues that Hendricks was fully aware of her active infection and the potential to transmit the virus through her saliva, making the act not just a health violation, but a criminal one.

A Pattern of Negligence and Insults

Beyond the act of contamination, the lawsuit highlights a shocking lack of corporate empathy and accountability. According to court documents, the family’s initial concerns were met with denial:

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• Denial of Evidence: Management initially claimed surveillance footage showed nothing.
• Insulting Offers: The family alleges they received phone calls offering them five dollars or free sandwiches to drop their legal claims.
• Employment Failure: The accused employee was allegedly allowed to continue working until police intervened.

The Emotional and Physical Toll

The impact of contracting herpes in such a traumatic manner extends far beyond physical symptoms. Jennica Church describes a life now overshadowed by “debilitating fear and anxiety.” The psychological burden includes:

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• Constant stress regarding future outbreaks.
• Fear of transmitting the virus to family members, including her husband and mother.
• A fundamental change in how she expresses affection and interacts with loved ones.

Legal Consequences and Next Steps

The lawsuit has since been amended to include the franchise owner, RB ARK Restaurants LLC, Flynn Restaurant Group LP, and the corporate parent of Arby’s, Inspire Brands. Amanda Hendricks is now facing criminal charges for poisoning food with the intent to injure.

As the case moves toward a jury trial, it serves as a grim reminder of the critical importance of food safety protocols and the severe legal consequences of workplace misconduct.