Full Breakdown
Worms Found in Drinks at Paddock Lake McDonald's Prompt Health Inspection
4/30/2026, 3:50:52 AM
Contamination Discovered in Drive-Thru Beverages
Three customers reported worms in drinks from the drive-thru soda and ice machine at the McDonald's on 75th Street, Paddock Lake, Wisconsin. A Kenosha County Public Health inspection on April 27, 2026 verified the complaints, noting severely damaged tiles beneath the unit, wastewater discharge concerns, and potential sewage back-flow. The health department ordered the machine out of service pending repairs and a reinspection.
Timeline of Key Developments
- Early April 2026: Customers post photos of worms on social media.
- April 27, 2026: Health inspectors arrive and document tile damage and contamination.
- April 27–28, 2026: Inspection report cites violations and imposes a $100 reinspection fee.
- After inspection: Drive-thru machine taken offline; a separate indoor machine used for service.
Data Summary
At least three patrons reported worms. The inspection identified severely damaged flooring and required a $100 reinspection fee. The contaminated machine will remain offline until a successful reinspection.
Official Responses
Kenosha County Public Health cited the restaurant for failing to maintain facilities and stressed the need for proper air-gap separation. Management said the unit had been discontinued, serviced by pest control, and the area cleaned before inspectors arrived. The restaurant’s manager declined direct comment, referring inquiries to licensee McEssy Investment Co., which has not responded.
Criticism & Public Reaction
Customers expressed disgust and health concerns, labeling the worm a “sewage worm” capable of carrying parasites. Social-media posts criticized the restaurant’s sanitation practices and highlighted the absence of a timely corporate response.
Conflicting Reports & Information Gaps
The health inspection confirms contamination, yet management provided limited details beyond pest-control service and tile repairs. No comment from licensee McEssy Investment Co. has been obtained, leaving a gap in the corporate explanation.
Verbatim Quotes
- "We threw all the rest of it away right away because it was so disgusting." — Jazmyne Gurske, Customer
- "It's not just an earthworm — it's a sewage worm, so that makes it even worse." — Joe Hauenstein, Customer
- "You don't know what's on that worm. From it being sewage — it can have parasites, you can get sick from it, and they knew about it." — Joe Hauenstein, Customer
- "The inspection report makes clear that the investigation was initiated by consumer complaints — complaints that now appear to be backed up by multiple individuals publicly reporting nearly identical experiences." — Article summary
- "It's absolutely disgusting." — TMJ4 headline
Next Steps
The health department will reinspect after tile repairs and verification of air-gap safeguards. The drive-thru machine will stay offline until cleared. Monitoring of customer feedback will continue as the restaurant works to restore service.
