Bon Appetit Chicken Put Me in the Hospital. Something Needs to Change.
Reported by Jayden Forsyth
Illustrated by Mia Baukol
Last week, I was sent to the hospital, not due to a bear attack, a bus accident, or poor judgment, but because of George Fox University’s very own Canyon Commons. I would be lying if I said the experience didn’t shake me to the core.
I have often joked about getting sick from Bon food, knowing it is a common complaint. While I had never personally fallen ill, I had witnessed questionable food quality: pink, undercooked chicken in pot pies, steak with a blue tint, and even bug larvae in spinach. However, I managed to avoid any issues until the early hours of Tuesday, Feb. 28.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., I woke up and began vomiting profusely. Fortunately, I managed to reach my trash can in time. As I clung to it, only one thought crossed my mind: “It was the chicken.” I continued to feel sick as I made my way to the bathroom. Moments later, a friend rushed in and immediately began vomiting in the adjacent stall. Ten minutes later, another student entered, also on the verge of being sick.
Returning to my room, I replaced my trash bag, but the cycle continued, brief moments of sleep followed by intense vomiting. My stomach was empty, but my body did not care. I lost count of how many times I was sick. Soon, dehydration set in, and my condition worsened in ways I won’t describe.
Desperate for help, I called George Fox’s medical staff and waited on hold for over 40 minutes, still vomiting. Though I was calling during their listed hours, I never received an answer. Feeling increasingly weak, I attempted to shower, only to get sick again. Disoriented and exhausted, I nearly collapsed. In desperation, I texted my mom: “I need help.”
She called campus security, who then contacted 911. When emergency responders arrived, my body temperature had dropped to 92 degrees. They transported me to the hospital, where I received IV fluids and nausea medication. The doctor confirmed it was severe food poisoning and ruled out norovirus or any other stomach bug. I was advised not to eat for the remainder of the day.
I am incredibly grateful to my friends, RAs, and area advisors who supported me through the ordeal. I share this story not for pity or attention but to raise awareness about ongoing food safety concerns at Canyon Commons. I may not be an expert in food handling, but I know that when students repeatedly get sick after eating cafeteria food, something needs to change. If a single piece of chicken could send me to the hospital, it raises serious concerns.
Other students have reported illnesses after eating calamari, chicken, pork, and even pancakes. While food-related sickness is not uncommon at the Bon, my case was particularly severe. That Tuesday was one of the worst days of my life, and I have not eaten chicken from the Bon since.
While I want to be respectful, it is clear that this issue needs to be addressed.