A grocery store worker accused of handing out a semen-tainted yogurt sample at an Albuquerque market pleaded guilty Thursday.

Anthony Garcia, 32, was charged with tampering with food and giving false statements to federal agents.

He faces three years in prison and three years of supervised probation. A sentencing date has not been set, Albuquerque TV station KOAT reported.

According to the U.S. attorney, Garcia admitted to putting semen into yogurt and then offering it to a customer on Jan. 25. The customer tasted the sample, spat it out and asked to speak to the manager. Garcia threw the yogurt sample into the store's trash compactor after the customer spoke with the manager.

Earlier in the year, Albuquerque police said DNA tests proved that story.

"The criminal conduct to which Anthony Garcia pleaded guilty today is completely outrageous," U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales told The Associated Press after Garcia's appearance in federal court. "No one should have to endure this type of experience simply because she or he accepts a food sample while shopping for groceries."