In the wake of an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders in the US, the fast food giant is facing its first lawsuit related to the incident, alleging negligent food safety practices.
On Wednesday, Texas-based food safety law firm Ron Simon & Associates announced the filing of its first E. coli lawsuit against McDonald’s on behalf of Colorado resident Eric Steele. The lawsuit was filed in Cook County, Illinois.
The lawsuit comes days after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that an E. coli outbreak linked to a McDonald’s hamburger sandwich killed one person and infected nearly 50 others in 10 states.
The CDC also said Wednesday that the actual number of affected individuals is likely much higher, and it expects to see more cases.
Preliminary results of the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to the cut onions used in the Quarter Pounder. McDonald’s said in a statement on Tuesday.
McDonald’s has pulled the Quarter Pounder from its menu at McDonald’s locations in Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, and in parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
The lawsuit alleges that Stilley bought and ate food from a McDonald’s restaurant in Briley, Colorado, on October 4, and two days later, he began experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, nausea and dehydration, as well as bloody stools. .
E. coli infections are caused by E. coli bacteria, which can spread through contact with infected people, animals, surfaces, foods, or contaminated liquids. According to Health Canada. The bacteria can produce toxins that cause symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
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On Oct. 8, Stilley sought medical care at a local hospital, where doctors performed a stool culture, the lawsuit said. It turned out to be positive for E. coli.
His doctor also referred him to specialists at gastroenterology centers to determine the extent of his illness. A few days later, Weld County Public Health contacted Steely about his E. coli diagnosis. The Department of Health confirmed that Steely was sick due to an outbreak of McDonald’s E. coli bacteria, the lawsuit stated.
She added that Steely is still recovering from food poisoning.
The lawsuit then alleges that McDonald’s is liable for manufacturing, distributing and marketing “defective and unreasonably dangerous products and introducing them into the stream of commerce.”
Steely is seeking $50,000 in damages.
“The E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s will be one of the most significant food poisoning cases this year,” said Ron Simon, the attorney representing Steely. And at least 10 other people In an outbreak.
“Through this lawsuit and others, we will ensure that all victims are fully compensated for their losses, that their voices are heard, and that McDonald’s and its suppliers permanently correct the health violations that caused food to be contaminated with E. coli,” he said in a press release on Wednesday.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s said it has taken steps to proactively remove cut onions, which are used in its Quarter Pounder, at restaurants in select states.
“It is important to note that the majority of menu items are not affected. Other McDonald’s beef products including the cheeseburger, hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and Double Cheeseburger are not affected,” said McDonald’s US President Joe Erlinger. In a video statement on Tuesday.
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