Colorado Man Files First Lawsuit Against McDonald’s Over Deadly E. Coli Outbreak

A Colorado man has taken legal action against McDonald’s, marking what appears to be the first lawsuit related to a severe E. coli outbreak linked to the fast-food chain’s Quarter Pounder burgers. The outbreak has tragically claimed one life and sickened nearly 50 people across multiple states, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and action.

Lawsuit Filed in Cook County

Eric Stelly, a resident of Greeley, Colorado, filed the lawsuit in Cook County, Illinois, where McDonald’s is headquartered. The lawsuit, submitted on Wednesday, alleges that Stelly consumed food from a McDonald’s in Greeley on October 4. A few days later, he tested positive for E. coli. Colorado health officials later informed him that his illness was part of the McDonald’s-related outbreak.

The lawsuit seeks more than $50,000 in damages, claiming McDonald’s was negligent in handling and preparing the food that led to his illness. In response to the lawsuit, McDonald’s stock pared earlier gains, closing up by 0.5%. The company has not yet issued a public comment.

McDonald’s Faces Public Scrutiny

McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating on Wednesday that the company must work diligently to rebuild public trust. This comes after the fast-food chain pulled Quarter Pounder burgers from the menu at approximately 20% of its 14,000 U.S. locations.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has affected people across the western and midwestern United States, resulting in one death and ten hospitalizations. Those hospitalized are experiencing severe complications related to the E. coli infection.

Investigation Focuses on Supply Chain

Ron Simon, an attorney representing Stelly, mentioned that he is also representing 15 other individuals affected by the outbreak. Both the CDC and McDonald’s are investigating the fast-food giant’s supply chain, with particular focus on slivered onions and beef patties, in an attempt to determine the source of the contamination.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that onions used by McDonald’s may be the primary source of the outbreak. However, one of its state partners is also testing samples of the beef patties for contamination.

E. Coli Strain Resembles the 1993 Jack in the Box Outbreak

The strain of E. coli involved in this outbreak, known as O157

, is the same as the one linked to the 1993 Jack in the Box outbreak that killed four children. McDonald’s stated that its suppliers conduct regular tests on their products, and testing during the timeframe provided by the CDC did not reveal the presence of this E. coli strain.

As the investigation continues, McDonald’s is under mounting pressure to address the concerns of consumers and ensure the safety of its food supply.