A recent lawsuit has brought serious allegations against a food service company operating within the Cascade County Detention Center. The suit claims that an inmate, who had a nosebleed during meal preparation, inadvertently contaminated a pasta dish with blood. Although employees attempted to discard this food, they were instructed to serve it nonetheless. Consequently, some inmates consumed the meal and later tested positive for hepatitis C, the same virus the bleeding inmate had.
Twenty-six inmates are now filing a lawsuit in federal court, raising concerns about negligence and violations of their constitutional rights. Following the incident, the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office stated they did not learn about the bleeding until two days later. They subsequently suspended the food service contractor, Summit Food Service, and began testing affected inmates.
Summit Food Service, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, acknowledges the event. They stated that a supervisor failed to comply with food safety protocols, though all staff are trained in these standards. The company has since fired the supervisor and implemented new procedures to prevent future occurrences. They are also enhancing their training and have opened a crisis hotline for better communication with clients.
Court documents reveal that the contamination occurred on September 28 when an inmate helper had a bloody nose. Despite requests to discard the tainted pasta, Summit staff ordered the food to be served, instructing staff to “scoop around it.” Many inmates later reported seeing blood in their food or were informed about it.
The plaintiffs claim the experience left them feeling disgusted and anxious. Some have since tested positive for hepatitis C for the first time, raising concerns about their long-term health. The lawsuit argues that serving food tainted with blood violates the inmates’ rights under the U.S. Constitution, particularly regarding cruel and unusual punishment, and seeks punitive damages to discourage similar misconduct by other providers.
Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter condemned the incident, stating it was both reckless and dangerous, emphasizing that the sheriff’s office acted swiftly to investigate and address the situation.
Hepatitis C, which is primarily spread through blood contact, often shows no symptoms initially. It can, however, lead to severe health issues, including liver disease. At-risk groups include prisoners and individuals with multiple sexual partners.
This incident underscores the critical need for strict adherence to food safety protocols in all settings, especially correctional facilities where vulnerable populations rely on safe and sanitary food. As awareness grows, conversations surrounding inmate health and rights continue to evolve, highlighting the importance of accountability in care.
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Cascade County,Cascade County Detention Center,Hepatitis C,jail,Jesse Slaughter,New Mexico,pasta,South Dakota,Summit Food Service
