Regular customer Tracy Stephenson, of Lily Hill Road, has complained to McDonald's and trading standards following the incident at the chain's restaurant at The Keep in Wildridings at around 5.30pm on Friday.

McDonald's told the Bracknell News they apologised for what happened and said it was very much an isolated incident.

Tracy Stephenson, a cook at Holly Spring Junior School, had gone to the restaurant with her partner Ray and his son Anton.

They ordered quarter pounders without pickle, but when the burgers were served she found the packaging had blood on it.

She said: "I split it [the burger] in half and it was pink and dripping with blood. It was revolting, absolutely foul."

She added: "It is force of habit. I opened up the top to check it was what I asked for. "To look at the burger once I opened up the tray - it looked okay. It was brown and the cheese was melted, but it is only the fact that I saw the blood in the bottom of the tray that I checked the inside of the burger, because there's no way it should run pink."

She added: "I work with food but that made me physically sick and that was horrible."

Tracy also criticised the way staff initially handled her complaint, especially as she was there for around an hour after raising the issue.

She says she is constantly reminded in her job to check food reaches a certain temperature before it is served.

McDonald's spokeswoman Alison Purves said: "Food hygiene is of utmost importance at McDonald's.

"We are concerned to learn of this customer's experience.

"As every product in McDonald's is cooked to strict times and temperatures we are currently carrying out a thorough investigation.

"At this stage we can confirm however that this was a one-off isolated incident.

"Meanwhile, our customer services team will stay in close contact with the customer."

Steve Loudoun, assistant environment director at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said on Monday: "The borough council received a complaint today alleging that an undercooked beef burger had been sold by McDonald's in Wildridings on Friday, February 20.

"The allegation is currently being investigated by an environmental health officer and appropriate action will be taken."  
 
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