Dunkin' Donuts Employee Fired After Allegedly Spraying Cleaning Solution on Doughnuts

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A Dunkin' Donuts employee has been fired after giving away doughnuts allegedly sprayed with a cleaning solution containing bleach, according to a company spokeswoman.

The employee gave the allegedly tainted doughnuts to some teens Monday night at the store in the Oakton area, Fairfax County Police said Tuesday in a news release.

In response to a request for comment from Patch, Dunkin' Donuts' corporate headquarters released a statement Tuesday afternoon about the incident:

“At Dunkin' Donuts restaurants, the safety and well-being of customers is a top priority and we have stringent food safety standards for all restaurants. We are aware of the incident involving a crew member at a Dunkin' Donuts franchise in Oakton, Virginia. In this instance, we have been informed by the franchise owner that he has terminated the employee involved and is cooperating fully with the local authorities. As this is a pending police matter, it is inappropriate for us to comment further and, as such, any additional questions can be directed to the police department."

Fairfax County Police responded around 9:40 p.m. Monday to what police called "an assault" at the Dunkin' Donuts, at 2946 Chain Bridge Road in Oakton (see map below). Police say that a group of teenagers had previously been given free doughnuts that were going to be thrown away at the close of business. They went to the store on Monday and requested more free doughnuts, police said.

A Dunkin' Donuts store employee initially refused the teens' request for free doughnuts several times but told them to return later and he would give them some, according to police. Before giving them the doughnuts, he allegedly sprayed them with a cleaning solution that contained bleach, police said.

The juveniles ate anywhere from one bite of a doughnut to a whole doughnut, police said. When they realized the food may have been tainted, they contacted police. No one required medical attention, according to police. A criminal investigation was launched and is ongoing, police said.

Police say to monitor @FairfaxPolice or their blog, www.fcpdnews.wordpress.com for the latest information regarding this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, online at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

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