Chicago woman named in class-action lawsuit against McDonald's following E. coli outbreak
CHICAGO - A Chicago woman has joined a class-action lawsuit against McDonald’s following an E. coli outbreak tied to its Quarter Pounder burgers.
She claims she experienced E. coli symptoms after eating a Quarter Pounder on Oct. 17.
The suit also includes a Florida plaintiff who said he experienced similar symptoms shortly after eating a Quarter Pounder on Oct. 1.
Following these and other reported illnesses, McDonald's launched an investigation on Oct. 22, looking specifically at Quarter Pounders as the source of potential contamination.
Roy T. Willey IV of Poulin Willey Anastopoulo LLC, the plaintiffs' attorney, argued that the company must be held accountable for the outbreak.
"Our clients deserve to know that the food they purchase is safe and free from contaminants like E. coli," said Willey. "We believe that McDonald's has an obligation to reimburse those who bought these recalled products, as well as to take responsibility for the health risks this contamination posed to its customers."
MORE: McDonald's E. coli update: Contaminated onions came from California farm, officials say
So far, the outbreak has affected 90 individuals across 13 states, resulting in 27 hospitalizations, two cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome—a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure—and one death.
The FDA and CDC have identified slivered onions, previously served on Quarter Pounders, as the likely source of the E. coli contamination.
In response, McDonald’s removed these onions from affected locations and suspended supply from Taylor Farms' Colorado facility, where the onions originated.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection typically appear within days of exposure and include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever and nausea. Some cases can result in severe complications, including life-threatening conditions like hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to chronic health issues such as kidney disease and high blood pressure.
MORE: Cases in McDonald’s E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions rise to 90
E. coli bacteria, commonly found in the environment and certain foods, are especially dangerous to vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, newborns, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory, statutory and punitive damages, along with measurable costs for ongoing medical monitoring.
McDonald's has not yet commented on the litigation. However, Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald's U.S., released a video this week to address customer concerns. He said, in part:
"I also want to address customers who ate at McDonald’s and are feeling any number of things: ill, scared, or uncertain. I know that our relationship is built on trust. You trust us to serve you safe food every time. On behalf of the McDonald’s system, I want you to hear from me: we are sorry. For those customers affected, you have my commitment that, led by our values: we will make this right."