Supermarket tosses $35K worth of food after woman coughs on shelves

HANOVER, Penn. (WPMT) -- A Pennsylvania grocery store said it had to throw out $35,000 worth of food after a woman "purposely" coughed on it in what the co-owner called a "twisted prank" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Gerrity's co-owner Joe Fasula said on Facebook that it happened at the Hanover Township store Wednesday. Fasula claims the woman "purposely" coughed on fresh produce, a small section of the bakery, the meat case and the grocery.

"We had no choice but to throw out all product she came in contact with. Working closely with the Hanover Township health inspector, we identified every area that she was in, we disposed of the product and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected everything," Fasula said, estimating the loss at more than $35,000.

Fasula never mentioned coronavirus, but said the incident was disturbing "in these times when so many people are worried about the security of our food supply."

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Fasula said employees got the woman out of the store as fast as possible and called police. He described the woman as a "chronic problem in the community."

The Hanover Township Police Department said on Facebook it is investigating and that the woman was being given a mental health evaluation. Police said criminal charges will be filed.