By H. Nelson Goodson
June 3, 2013
Ridgecrest, CA - On Monday, a Taco Bell employee identified as Sam Colby by another Facebook (FB) user is no longer working for the local franchise. Some of the FB users who posted comments after a photo of Colby was shared with the Taco Bell Facebook account posted, "it was a prank" and that Colby had licked multiple expired taco shells before being discarded. Colby's prank looked distasteful, nasty and most likely cost Colby his job.
Taco Bell executives haven't confirmed Colby's identity, whether he is an actual employee or got fired. But other FB users have identified him as the person seen licking the taco shells. The photo and story has gone viral on Facebook and in the main stream media.
Jj O'Brien Nolan shared Colby's photo with Taco Bell and stated, "This sure says a lot about your employees, food treatment, and what they post on the internet. Ridgecrest, California," referring to Colby's photo licking about 30 taco shells while allegedly inside a Taco Bell franchise.
Taco Bell responded, "Hi Jj - We have strict food handling procedures and zero tolerance for any violations. We believe this is a prank and the food was not served to customers. We are conducting an investigation and will be taking swift action against those involved."
The alleged prank sure brought unwanted publicity to Taco Bell that wasn't expected. Other fast food chains have also had their share of pranks concerning their products.
Most fast food restaurants have video surveillance cameras inside the counters and food service areas as a deterrent measure to keep employees from actually tempering with food while preparing and serving food to customers.
