**Unappetizing Surprise: Toronto Hotel Serves Cheeseburger with a Side of Waiver**
A visitor from the U.S. received an unexpected addition to their meal at a Toronto hotel restaurant when they ordered a cheeseburger and it came with a waiver. The incident, shared on Reddit, quickly went viral, sparking discussion and confusion.
The customer, identified as Reit007, requested a medium-cooked burger at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites. However, midway through their meal, the server presented them with a waiver, asking for it to be signed. The waiver essentially released the hotel from any liabilities related to food-borne illnesses or damages arising from the guest's consumption of the food.
Shocked by the unusual request, Reit007 lost their appetite and declined to sign the waiver. The server explained that the kitchen always prepares burgers well-done, and the waiver was a precautionary measure for those requesting a different cooking temperature.
The Hilton spokesperson clarified that such waivers are not standard practice but are occasionally provided when guests request meat cooked below the required temperature. The statement emphasized the hotel's adherence to Ontario's food safety laws.
The province's food safety guide recommends cooking ground beef to 71°C or 160°F to ensure safety. The waiver, while surprising to many, was viewed by a food safety professor as a forward-thinking measure to protect against potential risks associated with undercooked meat.
The professor highlighted the rarity of E. coli 0157 nowadays but acknowledged the historical context of outbreaks, such as the infamous 1993 incident in the U.S. associated with Jack in the Box. The form, though unusual in Canada, was seen as providing a degree of protection for the restaurant.
While Canada is less litigious than the U.S., instances of meat producers facing consequences for contaminated products, like the Maple Leaf settlement in 2008, demonstrate the potential legal risks. The professor advised diners to prioritize safety and opt for fully cooked burgers to avoid potential health hazards.