Whole Foods store fires security firm that banned 70-year-old woman

A Whole Foods store fired a security team that banned a 70-year-old customer. Photo by Kristoffer Tripplaar (Sipa via AP Images) (Kris Tripplaar)

A Whole Foods store in New Jersey announced Tuesday it fired the security company responsible for detaining a 70-year-old woman and banning her after she accidentally left without paying for some cheese.

Margaret Dooley bought about $60 worth of items at the Millburn-Union location on Oct. 4, but she reportedly forgot to ring up the cheese hiding underneath her bag in the cart.

Officials say loss prevention agents brought Dooley to the back of the store where she was questioned, photographed and eventually banned from any of the supermarket chain's stores in three states.

Spokesman Michael Sinatra says the firm previously contracted at the location has been "removed and replaced."

It's unclear what security company was the prior contract holder.

Sinatra says attempts to reach Dooley haven't been returned.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.