E Coli Outbreak Causing Quarter Pounder Controversy

McDonald’s faces its first lawsuit as an E. coli outbreak linked to Quarter Pounders claims one life and sickens dozens across the United States.

At a Glance

E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders results in one death and nearly 50 illnesses across 10 states
First lawsuit filed against McDonald’s, seeking over $50,000 in damages
Slivered onions from a single supplier suspected as the source of contamination
McDonald’s removes Quarter Pounders from menus in several states as a precaution
CDC, FDA, and USDA’s FSIS investigating the outbreak

Lawsuit Filed Against McDonald’s Over E. Coli Outbreak

A customer has initiated legal action against McDonald’s, alleging negligence in food safety practices following an E. coli outbreak linked to the chain’s Quarter Pounder burgers. The outbreak has resulted in one fatality and sickened nearly 50 others across 10 states, prompting swift action from health authorities and the fast-food giant.

Eric Stelly from Illinois, the plaintiff in the case, claims he experienced symptoms of E. coli infection after consuming food from a McDonald’s in Greeley, Colorado. The lawsuit, which seeks over $50,000 in damages, accuses McDonald’s of product liability, negligence, and breach of implied warranties.

E. COLI OUTBREAK: CDC is investigating 49 illnesses in 10 states linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. If you ate a Quarter Pounder hamburger from McDonald’s and have severe symptoms of E. coli, contact your healthcare provider. https://t.co/g87itkupCQ pic.twitter.com/gHzUKCnTi9

— CDC (@CDCgov) October 22, 2024

Investigation Points to Slivered Onions as Likely Culprit

Initial investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggest that the outbreak may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder. The onions come from a single supplier, while beef patties are sourced from multiple suppliers, narrowing the focus of the investigation.

“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,” said Ron Simon, attorney representing the plaintiff.

In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s has removed Quarter Pounders from menus in several states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming. The company has also taken steps to remove slivered onions from affected locations as a precautionary measure.

McDonald’s Response and Market Impact

McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger addressed the situation, emphasizing the company’s commitment to food safety. “It is important to note that the majority of menu items are not affected. Other beef products at McDonald’s including the cheeseburger, hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and the Double Cheeseburger are not impacted,” Erlinger stated.

The outbreak has had a notable impact on McDonald’s stock, with shares dropping by over 5% following the news, marking the largest single-day decline since March 2020. However, the stock slightly recovered the following day as the company worked to address the situation and reassure consumers.

McDonald’s said Wednesday it is taking the necessary action to protect customers after the restaurant’s Quarter Pounder burgers were linked to an E. coli outbreak. NewsNation correspondent @alcaprari23 has the latest.

MORE: https://t.co/ebCz6WlbGj pic.twitter.com/RkqsL3CbVG

— NewsNation (@NewsNation) October 24, 2024

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures

The CDC, FDA, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are continuing their investigation into the outbreak. McDonald’s supplier Taylor Farms Colorado is cooperating with authorities and has removed yellow onions from the market as a precaution, although no E. coli traces have been found in their tests.

“Never did I expect to suffer like this from eating a burger, I hope my lawsuit can shed light on how this happened so that McDonald’s can fix the problems and prevent them from happening again,” said Eric Stelly, the plaintiff in the lawsuit.

As the investigation continues, health officials urge consumers who have eaten at McDonald’s and experienced symptoms of E. coli infection to seek medical attention and report their cases to local health authorities. The lawsuit against McDonald’s is expected to be the first of several as affected individuals seek compensation and push for improved food safety measures in the fast-food industry.