McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak Leads to Illness, Death, and Lawsuits
Dozens of people who recently ate Quarter Pounder’s at McDonald’s with uncooked slivered onions recently fell severely ill due to the presence of E. coli bacteria. At least one person has passed away. It is believed that the E. coli was in the onions and not the burger patties. The fast-food chain and the supplier of the onions have since recalled and stopped using the onions, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to report that the likelihood of contaminated onions still being available for sale is low. But for those who got sick, the pain, discomfort, and long-term health effects from E. coli won’t be so easily or quickly resolved.
The Outbreak
The outbreak began around September 27, 2024, with cases spreading across at least 13 states, including Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas. As of late October, 90 cases were reported, with 27 hospitalizations and one confirmed fatality in Colorado.
The CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the outbreak’s source to onions supplied by Taylor Farms, which provided onions used in McDonald’s restaurants. The FDA’s investigation involved tracing the contaminated onions to their processing and production origins, including inspections at a Taylor Farms processing center in Colorado and a supplier in Washington state. The investigation remains ongoing to ensure the contamination does not spread further.
The onions were removed from affected McDonald’s locations across 13 states once the CDC identified them as the likely source of contamination. Other fast-food chains like Burger King and Taco Bell preemptively removed onions from their menus in some locations, although there is no evidence that their supplies were affected.
E. Coli Symptoms and Effects
According to the CDC, most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting, with symptoms usually starting three to four days after swallowing the bacteria. While most people recover without treatment after five to seven days, some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and require hospitalization.
Lawsuits in the Wake of the McDonald’s Outbreak
Although additional oversight and more stringent food safety inspections could help prevent future outbreaks, lawsuits are a powerful tool to ensure companies fulfill their obligations to protect public safety. Lawsuits help hold producers, manufacturers, and retailers accountable for defective or dangerous products. They can compensate consumers for their actual damages and levy punitive damage awards against companies to discourage future transgressions.
At least three lawsuits have already been filed relating to illness from the McDonald’s/Taylor Farms outbreak, with more expected to follow. If you have fallen ill after eating a contaminated Quarter Pounder, you should contact an experienced personal injury to discuss your situation. They can advise you of your options, including whether you have a viable claim for compensation for your pain, suffering, and other losses arising from E. coli-related illness. If you have been affected by contaminated products related to the McDonald’s outbreak, please contact Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller at Sommers Schwartz today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
