First Lawsuit in McDonald’s E. coli Deadly Outbreak Filed as Investigation and Public Reaction Continue to Gain Momentum
Note: E. coli attorney Tony Coveny stated: “We have received over 100 calls concerning the McDonalds E.coli deadly outbreak, since 9 p.m. last night, and the phones show no sign of stopping.”
In October 2024, a significant E. coli outbreak was linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, resulting in 75 reported cases across 13 U.S. states. Tragically, one person has died, and 24 others were hospitalized. The majority of the infections were concentrated in Colorado and Nebraska, with Colorado alone accounting for 35 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the outbreak, with reports of illnesses ranging from late September to early October.
The suspected source of the contamination is slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounders. McDonald’s has since removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in several affected states, including Colorado, Utah, Kansas, and Wyoming, as a precautionary measure while investigations continue. Other McDonald’s beef products, like the Big Mac, are reportedly unaffected by this recall. The company is working closely with federal and local health officials to identify the exact cause and prevent further illnesses.
This strain of E. coli, known as O157, is particularly dangerous as it can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, including bloody diarrhea and vomiting. More severe cases can lead to complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause kidney failure. E. coli O157was also behind the infamous 1993 Jack in the Box outbreak, which resulted in several deaths and revolutionized food safety practices in the fast-food industry.
While the exact ingredient responsible for this outbreak is still under investigation, it is thought that a specific batch of onions may have been contaminated. Onion-related E. coli outbreaks have occurred in the past, and McDonald’s is cooperating with the CDC to trace the supply chain of its ingredients. As of now, the number of cases may increase, as more reports are expected over the coming weeks due to the time lag between infection and diagnosis.
McDonald’s has removed Quarter Pounders from restaurants in the affected regions as a safety precaution, though they are aiming to restore the menu once the investigation is concluded. The company has faced a stock price decline of about 6% following the news, and the outbreak has also raised concerns in the beef industry, with traders worrying about potential impacts on beef demand.
Has an E. Coli McDonald’s Lawsuit Been Filed by Any E. coli Lawyer?
In the wake of the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak linked to Quarter Pounders, Ron Simon & Associates, a national food safety law firm, has already initiated legal action on behalf of victims. Ron Simon, renowned for his expertise in foodborne illness litigation, has taken an active role in this case, filing lawsuits against McDonald’s and other entities involved in the supply chain. The lawsuit centers around claims that McDonald’s and its suppliers failed to prevent the contamination of ingredients, which led to widespread illness.
Ron Simon’s legal team has a history of securing substantial settlements for victims of similar outbreaks, and they are working to hold McDonald’s accountable for the unsafe conditions that led to this contamination. The firm has highlighted the severe impact of E. coli O157 infections, particularly for those hospitalized or developing complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Simon’s lawsuit argues that McDonald’s neglected proper food safety practices, including the handling and sourcing of onions, which are suspected as the source of the contamination
Simon’s firm has represented thousands of victims in similar cases, such as the Wendy’s E. coli outbreak, and his involvement signals that this lawsuit could expand as more victims are identified. The lawsuit aims to secure compensation for medical costs, suffering, and other damages resulting from the outbreak
