Woman Says She Found Human Fingertip in Chicken Wrap

Mary Elizabeth Smith, a 43-year-old real estate agent from Manhattan, is suing a Mediterranean restaurant in Astoria, Queens, after she claims to have discovered a human fingertip inside a chicken wrap she ordered.

The incident, which Smith alleges occurred in November 2023, has left her “permanently traumatized.”

Legal Action Is Underway

Smith filed a lawsuit in the New York County Supreme Court in early August. Her attorney states the chicken wrap contained “human tissue, a fingertip,” which lab analysis reportedly confirmed originated from a female. Smith avoided swallowing the piece by spitting it out, but the shock triggered a cascade of emotional and physical trauma.

She sought medical attention and started antiretroviral therapy as a precaution against potential exposure to diseases.

Restaurant Denies the Allegation

The restaurant’s owner vehemently denies the claim. He described the lawsuit as “completely fraudulent” and “ludicrous,” asserting that no female employees were working the prep line on the claimed day. He further stated that he intends to countersue Smith for slander.

He also expressed frustration that Smith declined to provide DNA samples that could verify whether the fingertip was linked to any staff member, questioning the claim’s validity.

Trauma Runs Deep

Smith recalls the incident as deeply disturbing—not just physically, but psychologically. She later admitted it took a long time to regain the confidence to eat chicken again, and she now avoids dining out frequently. The experience left her anxious, deeply shaken, and more cautious than ever about where and what she eats.

What’s at Stake Legally and Ethically

This case raises serious questions about food safety protocols and industry accountability. If the claim holds, it reflects a massive lapse in hygiene and quality control.

But if it’s false, it risks defamation and reputational damage. The lawsuit now hinges on corroborating the fingertip’s origin and establishing negligence, key issues the court will weigh in the coming weeks.

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