Man claims he had 'tongue pricked by needle' in Qantas chicken curry
A man has launched legal action against Qantas, claiming his tongue was pricked by a needle in his chicken curry, served during a flight last December.
The airline insists there's no evidence supporting Ben Sabeto's claim a small needle was in his meal on a Brisbane to Sydney flight just before Christmas.
The former OH&S mining consultant wrapped it up in his napkin after he claims it pricked his tongue while eating a curry.
"When I saw the item in the serviette and saw the blood, I was quite concerned," he told 7 News.
Mr Sabeto said he told the cabin crew supervisor who was apologetic, however Qantas has strongly denied the claims.
The 51-year-old grandfather is still waiting to find out if he's contracted any diseases.
"It's like walking around with a loaded gun pointed at your head. Until I get these tests cleared, who knows?"
Shine Lawyers, representing Mr Sabeto, filed the claim in the district court on Thursday afternoon.
Qantas said in a statement there was no evidence to show a needle was in the meal at any stage during preparation in the catering centre or onboard.
The airline will claim his meal was scanned with metal detectors twice before being served, and that crew members reported Mr Sabeto acting oddly on board.
"I find the reaction of Qantas is severely inadequate," said Shine Lawyers attorney Dave Adams.
"I think at the very least Benjamin requires an apology of some sort and some admission of liability."
The maximum payout at the District court is $750,000.
