- McDonald's -

where do I file a complaint re: McDonalds?

On my weekly trip (from Gadsden to Muscle Shoals, AL) with my 23 month old grandson, I stop and break at McDonalds (Hwy 157) in Cullman, AL. We have a chance to rest and eat and he can take advantage of the fenced in out-door play area. On 9/28/97 as we sat watching him run and play (within 10 ft of us), he suddenly began screaming and within 3- 5 seconds time, was covered from the waist down in fireants. His legs, shoes and socks were a solid blanket of this aggressive and dangerous type ant. Within the 10-15 seconds of stripping the ants and clothes from him, he was covered in whelps from his neck to his feet. My mother, daughter-in-law, and myself were also bitten during the frantic efforts of freeing this baby from these ants. Upon reporting this to management, the manager denied knowing of a fire ant problem, but the assistant manager let it slip that an exterminator had been called for two weeks in a row to spray for them. Neither offered to assist or showed any concern, even after being shown the dozens of bites this baby had suffered. They made no attempt to warn other customers as their children headed toward the play area, but agreed with us that they should post a sign warning parents of this hazard. As a Registered Nurse, I was able to treat my grandchild with medication and topical ointments and was aware of observations that needed to be made in noting any severe allergic reaction to the bites, and luckily we avoided seeking further medical treatment. Although he only suffered the pain, discomfort and emotional trauma of this episode, another child may not be so lucky. Individuals can have severe and sometimes fatal reactions to so many bites. These managers need to be educated to things of this nature and have a plan in place rather that shrugging their shoulders with an "I really don't care" attitude. And McDonald's claims to cater to children and fun? This was a frightening and traumatic incident, not only to this small child, but to the adults also. I am furious and disgusted and feel that McDonalds Corp. Customer Service needs to be made aware of this incident. My thoughts of McDonalds as a safe and caring atmosphere (for the past 40 yrs that I have been a customer) went down the drain in less than 5 minutes time. As a business owner myself, I can honestly say that if this incident occurred on my property, especially to such a small child, I would be devastated, and would insist upon providing medical treatment and taking care of the situation immediately. I am shocked that any employee, especially in management at a place of business as large a McDonalds, just stood and shrugged it off while an innocent child suffered. No wonder people turn to attorneys for help and lawsuits for compensation! This type of attitude and nonchalance deserves it!! Any suggestions??

An irate grandmother

Follow Ups:

• Report this to the media Mad At McDonalds Former Employee October 30 1997 (0)