A Brooklyn pastor claims that a spoiled McDonald’s chicken sandwich made him sick for over a month, leaving him unable to perform his duties at church.
Rustam Irsaliev, the leader of St. Remnant Church in Brighton Beach, says the experience was so severe that he felt it was like an “assault and battery.” He has now filed a lawsuit against McDonald’s, which was obtained by The Independent.
The pastor says the incident has made him fearful of eating at restaurants and has negatively affected his family and social life. Speaking about the ordeal on Wednesday, he described it as “horrible.”
Praying Through the Suffering
Irsaliev recalled how he prayed during his sickness, suffering from violent vomiting and extreme weakness. “I believe my faith saved me,” he told The Independent. “As the Bible says, if you believe in God, not even poison can kill you.”
How It All Started
According to the lawsuit, the pastor bought a Deluxe McCrispy sandwich from a McDonald’s in Brighton Beach on November 13, 2024. After taking a bite, he immediately noticed a “bitter taste” and a “strange feeling” in his mouth. Looking closer at the sandwich, he allegedly saw mold and rotten particles on both the bun and the meat.
Irsaliev says he complained to the restaurant staff, but the manager refused to take responsibility, reportedly saying, “McDonald’s brought it here for us like that.” Instead of resolving the issue, the restaurant offered him a coupon for two free burgers.
Severe Illness and Hospital Visit
About 90 minutes later, Irsaliev claims he felt intense stomach pain and started vomiting. He rushed to the hospital, where he vomited two more times. A doctor confirmed that he had suffered from food poisoning and sent him home to recover.
The illness left Irsaliev incapacitated for several weeks. The lawsuit states that even six weeks after eating the spoiled meal, he continued to feel sick. His condition made it difficult for him to perform his regular duties as a pastor.
Lingering Effects
Now, nearly two months later, Irsaliev says he is feeling better but still suffers from occasional stomach discomfort. His lawsuit seeks justice for the suffering he endured and highlights concerns about food safety at fast-food restaurants.
