Dunkin’ Employee Filmed Washing His Feet in Kitchen Sink on Staten Island Ferry, Prompting Health Probe
Dunkin’ Employee Filmed Washing His Feet in Kitchen Sink on Staten Island Ferry, Prompting Health Probe
NEW YORK — A Dunkin’ Donuts employee has sparked outrage after being caught on video washing his feet in a kitchen sink behind the counter of the chain’s Staten Island Ferry location, triggering an investigation by New York City health officials.
The viral footage, originally posted to TikTok on August 11, shows the worker standing on what appears to be an Islamic prayer rug while using the sink to wash his feet inside the food preparation area. The video quickly spread across social media, where many viewers condemned the act as unsanitary.
Viral Video Sparks Public Backlash
An eyewitness who recorded the incident described the scene as “disgusting” after noticing the employee lifting his feet into the sink used in the kitchen.
Online reactions were swift, with thousands of comments criticizing the location of the ritual rather than the religious practice itself.
Some users joked about “feet with your doughnut,” while others argued that restaurants should provide employees with an appropriate space for religious washing that is separate from food preparation areas.
@shayshay_stackz This Is In The Staten Island Ferry DUNKIN DONUTS #statenisland#dunkindonuts
Religious Ritual, But Wrong Location
The employee appeared to be performing wudu, the Islamic ritual of ablution that many Muslims complete before daily prayers.
Wudu involves washing the hands, face, arms and feet as an act of ritual purification. The practice is widely observed and is an important part of Islamic worship.
However, the controversy has centered on where the washing took place—not the ritual itself. Health experts note that commercial kitchen sinks are subject to strict sanitation rules because they are located within food-service operations.
Health Department Opens Investigation
The New York City Department of Health confirmed it is investigating the incident and reminded restaurants that they are required to comply with food safety regulations designed to protect customers from contamination.
The New York City Department of Transportation, which oversees concessions aboard the Staten Island Ferry, also said it is reviewing the matter and will take appropriate action if necessary.
Dunkin’ had not publicly responded to requests for comment at the time the investigation became public.
Food Safety Rules Under Scrutiny
The Staten Island Ferry’s Dunkin’ concession serves thousands of commuters and tourists traveling between Manhattan and Staten Island each day.
Food safety regulations generally require sinks used in commercial kitchens to be designated for specific purposes, such as handwashing, food preparation or equipment cleaning. Using those facilities for washing feet raises concerns about hygiene and potential cross-contamination.
The investigation will determine whether any health code violations occurred and whether disciplinary or regulatory action is warranted.
For many New Yorkers, the incident has become another reminder that respecting religious practices and maintaining public health standards should not be mutually exclusive—especially inside a busy food-service kitchen.
