HIV Blood in a Ketchup Dispenser at a Fast Food Restaurant-Fiction!

HIV Blood in a Ketchup Dispenser at a Fast Food Restaurant-Fiction!

Summary of the eRumor: The forwarded email warns that someone who is believed to be HIV-positive was found putting blood into a ketchup dispenser at a fast-food restaurant. It warns to only use sealed packets of ketchup.

The Truth: This eRumor primarily circulated in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control there has not been any report of HIV-infected blood in any ketchup dispensers at any restaurants. Further, according to the CDC, there has never been a case of HIV infection or AIDS reported to them that was the result of eating something that contained the virus. A CDC release reminds everyone that HIV is a blood-borne disease and is passed from one person to another directly such as through certain kinds of sexual contact, needle sharing with an infected person, or blood transfusions.

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:
Absolutely unbelievable!!! SEND THIS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. PEOPLE ARE SICK. This is something you may want to take note of: ONLY USE KETCHUP FROM THE PACKET IN FAST FOOD OUTLETS!! A man was caught placing blood in the ketchup dispenser at a fast food outlet (to remain unnamed) within the last month. It is believed that he is HIV+. So be sure to let your friends/family know... only use items that come in a closed packet.