McDonald’s Faces First Lawsuit Over E. coli Outbreak Linked to Quarter Pounders

A Colorado man has filed the first lawsuit against McDonald’s following an E. coli outbreak connected to the fast-food chain’s Quarter Pounder, which has so far resulted in 49 reported cases of illness across 10 states and one death.

The lawsuit was filed shortly after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert, cautioning the public about the potential link between McDonald’s Quarter Pounders and the outbreak.

Plaintiff Eric Stelly, who purchased food from a McDonald’s location in Greeley, Colorado, three weeks ago, began suffering from severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, cramps, and bloody stools. His lawyer, Ron Simon, noted these are typical symptoms of an E. coli infection. After seeking treatment at a local hospital, Stelly tested positive for E. coli and continues to recover, according to a press release from his legal team.

The lawsuit, filed in Cook County, Illinois, where McDonald’s is headquartered, accuses the fast-food giant of product liability, negligence, and breach of implied warranties. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified slivered onions and beef patties used in the Quarter Pounder as potential sources of contamination, though the exact cause has yet to be confirmed.

In response to the growing concern, McDonald’s has temporarily removed Quarter Pounders from the menu in several states, including Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. The company has also stopped using the onions and beef patties involved in the outbreak as the investigation continues.

McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger assured customers that the affected ingredients are likely no longer in the supply chain and that it remains safe to eat at the restaurant. However, he acknowledged that the number of illnesses could rise as the CDC’s investigation progresses.

Ron Simon, who is representing several other victims of the outbreak, stated that this E. coli incident is one of the most significant food poisoning outbreaks this year. He vowed to hold McDonald’s accountable and ensure victims are fully compensated for their suffering.

Taylor Farms, a supplier for McDonald’s, is working with the FDA and CDC and has removed yellow onions from the market as a precaution. The company said it has found no traces of E. coli in its onion tests but remains committed to ensuring the safety of its products.