A Colorado man has filed the first lawsuit against McDonald's (MCD, Financial) related to an E. coli outbreak traced to its Quarter Pounder burgers. The outbreak has reportedly affected at least 49 people across 10 U.S. states, resulting in one death. The lawsuit follows a food safety alert issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which received numerous reports of individuals falling ill after consuming Quarter Pounders at McDonald's.
The plaintiff, Eric Stelly from Greeley, Colorado, experienced symptoms such as nausea, cramps, and bloody diarrhea after purchasing food from a McDonald's location three weeks ago. These symptoms are common indicators of an E. coli infection. After several days of persistent pain, Stelly sought emergency medical treatment and tested positive for E. coli. He is currently in recovery.
The lawsuit, filed in Cook County, Illinois, where McDonald's headquarters is located, accuses the company of product liability, negligence, and breach of implied warranty. While the exact ingredient causing the contamination has not been confirmed, the FDA suggests that the onions or beef patties in the Quarter Pounders might be responsible.
McDonald's has yet to comment on the lawsuit. The plaintiff's attorney, Ron Simon, who represents at least 10 other affected individuals, stated that the E. coli outbreak could be one of the most severe food poisoning events this year. He aims to ensure full compensation for victims and rectification of health violations by McDonald's and its suppliers. A second lawsuit was also filed by Simon on behalf of Clarissa DeBock, a Nebraska resident diagnosed with E. coli after dining at a McDonald's.
