KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City man is charged with food adulteration at the Hereford House restaurant at Town Center in Leawood.
Food adulteration is the deliberate act of altering the quality of food.
Jace Christian Hanson, 21, is charged in Johnson County District Court with adulterating or contaminating food, raw agricultural commodity or beverage — a level nine felony.
Court documents claim Hanson contaminated food at Hereford House between April 1-23.
Hereford House said the involved employee worked part-time for the establishment for less than a month.
"First and foremost, the safety of our customers and staff are paramount to all of us at the Hereford House.
"The individual who was arrested was a part-time employee who worked at the restaurant for less than a month. Once authorities arrested the individual on April 25th, we immediately took all measures and steps to thoroughly clean and sanitize the kitchen in accordance with health department guidelines.
"We are fully cooperating with all authorities in this matter. All further questions should be made to the Leawood Police Department and the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office."
Leawood police said in a release detectives spoke with the restaurant's management, who helped identify the 21-year-old suspect, on April 25.
Hanson's bond was originally set at $10,000. Following an initial appearance last Friday, a judge modified Hanson's bond to $100,000.
Any customers who ate at Hereford House between March 26 and April 25 and experienced health issues are asked to contact the Leawood Police Department by email at tips@leawood.org or by calling 913-266-0696.
Hanson's next court appearance is set for May 2 at 10 a.m.
A spokesperson with the Kansas Department of Agriculture said she has been in contact with the food safety and lodging program about the incident. Additionally, she said those entities have been in contact with Hereford House and law enforcement, offering assistance if needed.
"At this time, however, we have not been asked to conduct an inspection at that location," the spokesperson shared.
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