McDonald's to pay Chinese student dollars 290 for rat bite

BEIJING, June 10 (Reuters) The world's largest restaurant chain, McDonald's Corp., has been ordered to pay a student some 2,200 yuan after a rat bit her at one of its outlets in northeastern China, media reported today.

A local court in Shenyang city in Liaoning province ordered the payment -- covering costs that included 130 dollars for psychological injury -- for the incident last year, the China Merchant Morning Post said.

The woman, whose name was not disclosed, said a rat had climbed up her leg and bit her on the thigh while she was eating a meal at the restaurant.

The woman had sought 20,000 yuan in compensation. She said the incident caused her to become frightened by white mice and rabbits.

McDonald's rejected other demands raised by the student, including follow-up medical charges and other fees, saying she lacked proof.

The court ruled that McDonald's was responsible for maintaining proper hygiene at its restaurants, in line with relevant hygiene standards of China, and should compensate the woman for failing to protect customer safety.

REUTERS SLD KP1543