McDonald’s Faces Lawsuit Amid E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Quarter Pounders.
In a troubling development for the fast-food giant, a lawsuit has been filed against McDonald’s following a significant E. coli outbreak that has affected a Colorado resident. This marks the first legal action stemming from the outbreak, which has resulted in one fatality and nearly 50 reported illnesses.
The complaint was lodged in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by Eric Stelly, a Greeley, Colorado resident. Stelly alleges that he consumed food from a local McDonald’s on October 4, only to test positive for E. coli a few days later. Health officials later informed him that his infection was linked to the outbreak associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers.
Ron Simon, the attorney representing Stelly, noted that he is also advocating for 15 additional individuals who have been affected by the outbreak. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and McDonald’s are currently investigating the supply chains of slivered onions and beef patties to pinpoint the source of the contamination.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated that the onions are likely the cause of the outbreak, while beef samples are still undergoing testing for E. coli.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $50,000, alleging negligence in McDonald’s handling and management of its food products. As of now, officials from the Chicago-based company have not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit or the ongoing investigation.
As the situation unfolds, both consumers and industry watchers are keenly observing how McDonald’s will address this serious health crisis and the implications it may have for public safety and corporate responsibility.
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