Wendy’s store found to have 17 health code violations before girl, 11, became 'critically ill' after eating there

A Wendy's branch involved in a court case brought by the family of an 11-year-old was found to have multiple health code violations.

Aspen Lamfers visited the branch in Jenison, Michigan with her family as a treat after softball practice back in August 2022.

At the branch Aspen had a 'Biggie Bag' meal which consisted of chicken nuggets, a hamburger, and french fries.

But on August 4, three days after she ate the meal, Aspen began to feel ill.

According to a lawsuit filed by her family, Aspen's symptoms included nausea, fever, stomach pain, and diarrhoea.

In the following days her symptoms worsened, and Aspen's mom took her to hospital when she found blood in her stool.

Aspen was initially sent home after receiving treatment, but returned to hospital on August 7 when her symptoms continued to worsen.

On August 11 she was transferred to a different hospital and placed in the paediatric ICU, where she was put on dialysis.

She was being treated for hemolytic uremic syndrome, a dangerous complication from Shiga Toxin producing E. Coli, or STEC.

Aspen went on to be diagnosed with kidney failure.

Aspen was left 'critically ill'. (WOOD TV8 via YouTube)

Her family have now raised a lawsuit against Meritage Hospitality Group, which runs the Michigan Wendy's franchise.

In July 2022, a health inspection of the Jenison Wendy's franchise found no fewer than 17 health code violations.

These included 'moldy strawberries, spoiled tomatoes, and day-old chili that had been left out'.

A subsequent health inspection found that there were 12 health code violations.

These included storing raw beef at potentially dangerous temperatures, as well as poor hand-washing practices.

Since these inspections, the franchise has had a change of management and a subsequent report found that it had improved significantly.

But that came too late for Aspen, who the lawsuit claimed has suffered from permanent brain damage, renal failure, and paralysis as a result of her illness.

Aspen's family has sued Meritage Hospitality Group, which runs the Michigan Wendy's franchise. (Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Family attorney, Tom Worsfold, told McClatchy News: "Aspen’s life has been forever changed because of this blatant disregard for the health and safety of the public."

The lawsuit stated that Aspen had to undergo physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, nursing care, and counselling.

It said: “When Aspen took the State M-Step assessment in fifth grade in the spring of 2022, she scored in the 61st percentile for reading with a 6th grade reading level, and she scored in the 70th percentile for math.

"When Aspen took the State M-Step assessment after her STEC infection in the spring of 2023, she scored in the 26th percentile in reading with a 4th grade reading level, and she scored in the 9th percentile for math.”

UNILAD has contacted Meritage Hospitality Group and Wendy's for comment.