A visitor from the U.S. had an unexpected encounter at a Toronto hotel restaurant on Monday night when they ordered a cheeseburger, only to find it served with a waiver on the side. The incident, shared by the user Reit007 on Reddit, has gained viral attention on the platform’s Toronto page, accumulating over 500 comments.
Reit007, who ordered the burger cooked medium, was surprised when the server presented them with a waiver after they had already started eating. The waiver, handed out by the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites, explained that since the kitchen always prepares burgers well-done, guests should sign the waiver before opting for a different cooking preference.
The waiver stated that the guest waives rights against the hotel for any liabilities or damages, including food-borne illnesses and death, related to the guest’s use of their own food or consumption of products not provided by the hotel.
Expressing shock at the situation, Reit007 mentioned feeling a loss of appetite, interpreting the waiver as a lack of confidence in the food offered.
A spokesperson for Hilton clarified that while such waivers are not standard, they are provided as an additional food safety measure when guests request meat temperatures below the minimum required. The statement assured adherence to Ontario’s food safety laws.
In response to the unexpected sight of a waiver with a meal, a food safety professor, Keith Warriner, commended the restaurant’s forward-thinking approach. He explained that the waiver serves as a protection mechanism, acknowledging the potential risk of E. coli in undercooked beef. Warriner noted that E. coli 0157 is rare but emphasized the need for caution, citing past outbreaks and litigation concerns.
While the use of waivers for undercooked meat is uncommon in Canada, Warriner suggested that, although it might not stand up in court, it provides a degree of protection. He stressed the severe consequences of E. coli infection and advised diners to prioritize safety by opting for fully cooked burgers to avoid unnecessary risks.