A young woman in New York City has launched a legal battle against the fast-food giant Chipotle and the delivery service DoorDash, alleging a shocking and distressing discovery in her meal. Gia Bernhardt, 24, claims she bit into a rodent concealed within a burrito bowl she ordered for delivery, an incident her lawsuit describes as causing "severe bodily injuries" and lasting trauma.
The Alleged Incident and Legal Claims
According to a civil complaint filed in the New York County Supreme Court, the event occurred on January 11. Bernhardt ordered a burrito bowl with chips and guacamole from a Chipotle location on Manhattan's Upper East Side via the DoorDash app. The meal was prepared at the restaurant, packed, and delivered to her home.
The court documents state that as Bernhardt began eating, she "bit into a rodent contained within the meal." The complaint is graphic, alleging that "the rodent was within the plaintiff’s mouth after biting into the meal." Her attorney, Charles Gucciardo, elaborated that an inspection by Bernhardt revealed she had bitten into a "partially cooked rodent," identifiable by its ears, nose, and tail, which she was initially told was chicken.
The lawsuit contends that Chipotle "knew or should have known that its product was dangerous" and failed to warn customers of the risk. It further argues that the delivery driver, named as a "John Doe" co-defendant alongside DoorDash, negligently delivered the product in an "unsafe and unsanitary manner."
Company Response and Past Hygiene Issues
Chipotle has strongly denied the allegations. Laurie Schalow, Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer, said in a statement: "We strongly deny the allegations in this complaint, and we will vigorously defend ourselves against these claims. The health and safety of our employees and guests is our highest priority."
DoorDash, which is named as a co-defendant in the suit, did not respond to requests for comment from the original report.
This is not the first time Chipotle has faced scrutiny over rodent issues. The lawsuit's filing brings to light previous incidents:
- In 2020, a Chipotle in Upper Manhattan made headlines after employees reported being bitten by "massive" rats that damaged the store's wiring.
- In 2017, a Dallas location temporarily closed after videos showed mice on the floor and customers reported rats falling from the ceiling.
- Last year, a Chipotle in New Haven, Connecticut, voluntarily shut down due to a rodent control issue.
Seeking Damages for Lasting Trauma
Gia Bernhardt's complaint states the experience caused immediate physical reaction, including vomiting, and has led to "pain, shock and severe mental anguish." It claims the injuries and their effects "will be permanent," leaving her "scarred."
The legal action argues that serving food containing a rodent was "extreme and outrageous" conduct. Bernhardt is seeking a monetary judgment for compensatory and punitive damages to cover medical expenses and the impact on her ability to perform normal activities.
As the case proceeds, it places a renewed spotlight on food safety standards within the fast-food delivery ecosystem, questioning the responsibilities shared between restaurants, delivery platforms, and their couriers.
