A small family-owned grocery store chain in northeastern Pennsylvania had to throw out $35,000 worth of food after a woman entered the store Wednesday and intentionally coughed on it.
Co-owner of Gerrity's Supermarket, Joe Fasula, said a woman walked into the chain's Hanover Township store and "proceeded to purposely cough on our fresh produce, and a small section of our bakery, meat case, and grocery," according to the store's Facebook page.
According to local police, the woman is considered a chronic problem in the community.
The Hanover Township Police Department confirmed that "the suspect has been identified and is being evaluated at a local hospital for a mental health evaluation" and "criminal charges will be filed" against her.
Fasula reported that the estimated value of the food was "well over $35,000."
"I am also absolutely sick to my stomach about the loss of food. While it is always a shame when food is wasted, in these times when so many people are worried about the security of our food supply, it is even more disturbing," Fasula said.
