McDonald’s is facing serious legal challenges as customers take action following a recent E. coli outbreak linked to its popular Quarter Pounder Burger. Multiple lawsuits have been filed, with plaintiffs accusing the fast-food chain of negligence and unsafe food handling practices that resulted in illness from contaminated products. As health officials further investigate the outbreak, affected individuals are demanding accountability and compensation for their suffering, placing further scrutiny on the company’s food safety protocols.
Customers Seek Damages After E. coli Outbreak
On Tuesday, October 29th, a class action lawsuit was filed against McDonald’s by consumers led by Amanda McCray from Chicago and William Michael Kraft from Florida. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, they allege that they experienced E. coli symptoms after consuming Quarter Pounders earlier this month. The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $5 million on behalf of all U.S. customers who purchased the contaminated burgers.
In a separate case, a Colorado teenager claims to be suffering from acute kidney failure after eating three pieces of McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burger between September 27th and October 8th. The 15-year-old has been hospitalized and is undergoing dialysis, as reported by Newsweek. Her attorney, Ron Simon from Ron Simon & Associates, represents a total of 33 alleged victims of the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s, including nine individuals who required hospitalization and two who developed kidney complications.
Additionally, two lawsuits were filed last week in Nebraska by consumers who claim their Quarter Pounder meals sent them to the emergency room.
McDonald’s publicly acknowledged the outbreak on October 22nd, prompting immediate legal action. One of the first lawsuits originated from a customer who dined at a McDonald’s in Colorado and subsequently exhibited symptoms consistent with E. coli poisoning. This lawsuit cites negligence and product liability against the fast-food chain.
As of this writing, the outbreak has reportedly affected at least 75 people and resulted in one death.
“The McDonald’s E. coli outbreak will be one of the most significant food poisoning outbreaks this year. Through this lawsuit and others, we will make sure that all of the victims are fully compensated for their losses, that their voices are heard, and that McDonald’s and its suppliers permanently fix the health violations that caused the food to become contaminated with E. coli,” Simon said in a statement.
E. coli Outbreak Spreads Across Multiple States
A growing E. coli outbreak has sickened individuals across 13 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of the beginning of this week, cases have been reported in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Washington, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Those infected with E. coli may experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. The CDC is urging individuals who experience these symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
What Caused the E. coli Outbreak?
Health officials have identified the source of the recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. The outbreak was traced to contaminated slivered onions from a specific supplier.
In response, McDonald’s immediately removed the affected onions from its restaurants and ceased its business relationship with the supplier.