A man named Jace Christian Hanson from Kansas City has been charged with food adulteration for contaminating food at a Leawood Hereford House for almost a month. The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office filed the charges after an investigation by Leawood Police following a tip about intentional food contamination at the restaurant. Hanson, who is 21 years old, was identified as a suspect and taken into custody.
The District Attorney, Stephen Howe, mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and more charges could be added. Concerns were raised about the use of bodily fluids to alter the food, which poses a risk to public health. Individuals who fell ill after eating at the restaurant during the specified period were urged to contact law enforcement.
Hereford House released a statement emphasizing the safety of their customers and staff and stating that Hanson was a part-time employee for less than a month. The restaurant cooperated fully with authorities and took necessary steps to clean and sanitize the kitchen.
The crime falls under the state’s criminal threat statute, which may seem inadequate given the seriousness of the offense. Investigators are urging anyone who ate at the restaurant between March 26 and April 23, 2024, and experienced illness to come forward. Contact information for the Leawood Police Department was provided for those affected.
Hanson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday morning.
