In a disturbing case uncovered by the FBI, a 21-year-old restaurant cook, Jace Christian Hanson, has been charged with contaminating food at the Hereford House steakhouse in Leawood, Kansas. The contamination is suspected to have occurred between March 26 and April 25, potentially affecting thousands of guests.
Hanson faces a felony count of unlawfully altering or contaminating food, with prosecutors hinting at the possibility of additional charges. Authorities were alerted to the contamination after receiving a tip, leading to Hanson’s arrest on April 25. He was reportedly working as a part-time cook at the restaurant.
The extent of the contamination and the number of people affected are still being investigated by local agencies in Johnson County. District Attorney Steve Howe emphasized the complexity of the issue, stating, “The scope of the problem [is what] we’re still trying to determine.”
Investigators are urging anyone who dined at the Hereford House during the specified period and fell ill to contact a dedicated hotline. Over 130 people have already reached out, though not all have reported symptoms. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities not ruling out the possibility of additional charges as they gather more information.
The nature of the contamination, described only as involving “bodily fluids,” has raised concerns among patrons and health officials alike. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, along with the Johnson County Health Department, noted symptoms similar to food poisoning among those affected.
While authorities have praised the swift action of law enforcement and health officials in responding to the situation, some members of the public are expressing frustration over the pace of information dissemination. Officials, however, are working diligently to reach out to potential victims and provide answers amidst the challenges posed by the scale of the incident.