McDonald’s faces a $50,000 lawsuit after an E. coli outbreak, allegedly linked to its food, resulted in one death and 49 illnesses.
E. coli outbreak reportedly tracing back to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder
In recent events, fast-food chain McDonald’s finds itself entangled in a legal battle following an E. coli outbreak tied to its food products.
The outbreak, with severe consequences, has led to the unfortunate death of one individual and left 49 others unwell.
E. Coli, a bacterium that can cause serious illnesses, has been at the center of this health scare.
While many strains of E. coli are harmless, certain types can result in significant health issues.
The World Health Organization emphasizes that the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, also known as Escherichia coli 0157, is particularly concerning.
This strain can cause severe foodborne illnesses.
E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s products leaves one dead and 49 ill
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s outlets in the United States have taken precautionary measures by removing quarter pounders and slivered onions from their menus.
This move comes amidst fears that these specific ingredients could be linked to the contamination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a total of 49 cases of illnesses across multiple states, with 10 of these cases resulting in hospitalizations.
Tragically, one individual has succumbed to the effects of this outbreak.
Customer sues McDonald’s for $50,000 after suffering E. coli from Quarter Pounder
Eric Stelly, a resident of Colorado, asserts that he is one of the individuals who were hospitalized due to the outbreak.
He has taken legal action against McDonald’s, filing a lawsuit seeking $50,000 in damages.
Stelly, along with at least 10 others affected by the situation, is being represented by attorney Ron Simon from the law firm Ron Simon and Associates.
Although Stelly is the sole individual who has lodged a formal complaint as of October 23, others impacted by the outbreak may follow suit.
According to documents, Stelly consumed food at a local McDonald’s earlier in the month.
He subsequently experienced symptoms associated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
He tested positive for the illness after being hospitalized on October 8 and is currently in the process of recovering.
The fast food chain responded to the E. coli outbreak
McDonald’s has stated Cesar Piña, the company’s North America Chief Supply Chain Officer, emphasizing their commitment to customer safety.
Piña stated that the company’s top priority is safely serving customers.
This commitment prompted swift and decisive actions following the E. coli outbreak in several states.
“It is why we are taking swift and decisive action following an E. Coli outbreak in certain states,” he explained.
Slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder were reportedly the beginning of E. coli outbreak
Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest a potential link between the illnesses and slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder.
All local McDonald’s restaurants have received instructions to remove the product. Affected areas have temporarily halted the distribution of slivered onions.
The Quarter Pounder has also been temporarily removed from menus in impacted regions, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
McDonald’s reassures customers that other menu items, such as Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and Double Cheeseburger, remain unaffected and available for purchase.
McDonald’s is collaborating with suppliers to replenish Quarter Pounder supplies in the coming weeks, with timing differing by local market.
The company remains dedicated to food safety and provides timely updates.
They are working alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to restore their full menu offerings.