Wendy’s Doubles Reward in Finger Case

Wendy’s International Inc. has increased to $100,000 the reward for information on the origin of a severed human finger that a customer alleged she found while eating chili at one of the fast-food chain’s outlets in San Jose last month. The original reward was $50,000.

“We believe that somebody knows exactly what happened, and we hope the reward will encourage this person to come forward soon,” Wendy’s President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Mueller said in a statement Friday.

Anna Ayala, 39, of Las Vegas, who said she found the finger in her chili bowl on March 22, said this week that she would not sue the restaurant chain. Ayala has a history of making legal claims against corporations, court records show.

Company representatives said there was no credible evidence linking Wendy’s to the finger. The company has set up a toll-free number for anyone with information: (800) 821-3348.