Woman says she discovered rat in salad at Wendy’s in Abbotsford

WARNING: This post contains an image and details some people may find disturbing.

A fast food customer in Abbotsford had an unsettling discovery this afternoon.

Nicole Larocque-Bondini was eating at the Wendy’s just off Mt. Lehman Drive and Highway 1 today when she found a mouse in her Summer Berry Chicken Salad.

“I kind of panicked a little, because I realized I had eaten three-quarters of the salad, and there’s only half a mouse on my plate,” said Larocque-Bondini.

Bondini brought the rest of the salad home with her for safe keeping – and proof.

“I phoned Wendy’s, and she wanted me to bring it back, and I said no. I wanted to sort it out first,” she said.

“They are telling me that they cleaned house, that they threw everything out…she did say they took care of everything, but it’s still operating, so I’m a little concerned.”

Wendy’s told Global News that Fraser Health was called in to investigate, and found nothing out of the ordinary at the restaurant.

Fraser Health completed a health inspection at the Wendy’s two days prior and reported a low hazard rating. Fraser Health spokesperson Tasleem Juma told Global News they investigated the incident and there was no evidence of rodent-related issues at the restaurant and the salad in question is not actually prepared on the premises. Juma said the salad is bought in bulk from a supplier and portioned out at the restaurant. Both the supplier and the CFIA have been made aware of the incident and Fraser Health says there is no reason to believe there is any public health issue with the restaurant.

In a statement from Wendy’s Restaurants of Canada, marketing director Lisa Deletroz confirmed the restaurant had a routine health inspection on July 12 with no issues indicated. She said when Bondini contact Wendy’s to tell them of her experience, the health department responded the same day and conducted an investigation. Deletroz added “again, no issues were indicated.”

“This remains an isolated incident – there have been no other incidents I am aware of in any of our Canadian restaurants.”

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