Spitting Chef: Saliva Went on Food, But Plate Never Left Kitchen

The former Mt. Olive pub chef accused of spitting on a customer’s food told a judge Wednesday that while he did commit the act, the food in question never found its way out of the kitchen.

According to nj.com, John Stagg, 32, told a judge that he spit on the roll but it was never served. Stagg was indicted on a charge of tampering with food after the October 2014 incident. He has since pleaded guilty.

Stagg told the court he was vocal about his frustration with the customer, who sent back her food multiple times, and was overheard by a co-worker who wanted his job, the report said.

Stagg was fired from Kennedy’s Pub in Mt. Olive after the incident, and admitted to the judge that he spit on the food, but after giving it some thought, never served the dish, the report said.

Stagg was offered a plea deal of three years in prison but rejected it. He now faces a five-year sentence if convicted, the report said.

See related stories:

• Would You Like Phlegm With That? Pub Chef Spit in Food, Cops Say
• Indictment: North Jersey Chef Knowingly Tampered With Food By Spitting In It

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