Woman Claims She Found a Fingertip in Her Chicken Wrap from a N.Y.C. Restaurant: ‘Permanently Traumatized’

A woman in New York City claims to have found a human fingertip in her chicken wrap purchased from a local restaurant, leaving her “permanently traumatized.” Mary Elizabeth Smith, a 43-year-old Manhattan resident, alleges that the disturbing incident took place on November 17, 2023, after she ordered a chicken wrap “to go” from Create Astoria, a Mediterranean eatery in Queens. The unsettling discovery has led to legal action, with Smith filing a lawsuit against the restaurant. However, Create Astoria has vehemently denied her claims, labeling them as “ludicrous.”

Mary Elizabeth Smith’s attorney, Robert Menna, detailed in the legal complaint that his client bit into the chicken wrap only to find a piece of human tissue, specifically a fingertip, embedded in the food. The lawsuit alleges that the negligence on the part of the restaurant resulted in Smith suffering serious injuries, pain, shock, and mental anguish. According to Menna, the fingertip was sent to a laboratory for testing and was confirmed to be human female tissue. Despite Smith’s claims, Create Astoria has refuted the allegations, stating that there were no female employees working on the day in question.

The restaurant’s insurance company, Liberty Mutual, has also rejected Smith’s claims. Teddy Karagiannis, the owner of Create Astoria, has branded the lawsuit as “completely fraudulent” and intends to pursue a countersuit against Smith for slander. Karagiannis stressed that his restaurant adheres to stringent food safety protocols, with multiple inspection points in place to ensure the quality of food served. He maintained that such an incident is impossible within their operational standards.

Smith has expressed deep distress over the incident, stating that she is “permanently traumatized” by the experience. She disclosed that she had to undergo intensive antiretroviral therapy to safeguard against potential exposure to dangerous diseases. Despite Karagiannis’s claims, Smith reportedly declined DNA testing on the fingertip, which he believes would vindicate his establishment. The ongoing dispute underscores the seriousness of food safety and the significant impact such incidents can have on individuals and businesses alike.

As the legal battle unfolds, the authenticity of Smith’s allegations and the restaurant’s stringent quality control measures will likely be scrutinized. The implications of such claims extend beyond the immediate parties involved and raise broader concerns about food safety practices and consumer confidence in the hospitality industry. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in food preparation and handling to prevent such distressing occurrences in the future.

The conflicting narratives between Smith and Create Astoria highlight the complexities of legal disputes surrounding food safety incidents. With both parties standing firm in their positions, the resolution of this case will undoubtedly have ramifications for all involved. Authorities may need to intervene to conduct thorough investigations to ascertain the truth behind the alleged discovery of a human fingertip in a chicken wrap, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in the food service sector.