In October 2024, a significant Escherichia coli (E. coli) outbreak was linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, affecting consumers across multiple U.S. states. Over 100 individuals were infected, with dozens hospitalized, and one person tragically lost their life. The outbreak was traced to slivered onions supplied by Taylor Farms, a California-based produce company, which were used in the affected burgers.
Timeline of the Outbreak
- September 12 – October 21, 2024: Illnesses occurred during this period, with the majority of affected individuals reporting consumption of McDonald’s Quarter Pounders containing slivered onions.
- October 22, 2024: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning about the outbreak, noting cases across multiple states.
- October 25, 2024: Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall of the implicated slivered onions distributed to McDonald’s and other food service customers.
- October 28, 2024: The first McDonald’s E. coli Lawsuit linked to Quarter Pounders was filed.
- October 30, 2024: Epidemiologic and traceback data confirmed slivered onions as the likely source of the outbreak.
- November 13, 2024: Public health officials reported a significant increase in cases, bringing the total to over 100 infections.
Impact on McDonald’s Operations
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s temporarily removed Quarter Pounders with slivered onions from menus in the affected states. The company secured an alternative onion supplier and resumed serving the burgers after ensuring the safety of the ingredients. Despite these measures, McDonald’s experienced a decline in customer traffic, affecting their financial performance. “This is to be expected,” says nationally renown E. coli lawyer Ron Simon, “but with quick action, McDonald’s will be able to rebuild its solid brand.”
First, Second, third Lawsuits Filed – All by The same E. coli Law Firm
A lawsuit was filed by the family of a 15-year-old girl from Colorado who developed severe kidney failure after consuming a contaminated Quarter Pounder. The girl experienced hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication associated with E. coli infections. This case highlighted the devastating personal impact of the outbreak and was a significant step in holding McDonald’s and Taylor Farms accountable.
Another lawsuit was filed by a 40 year-old Colorado man. He too became ill from consuming a Quarter Pounder.
Again, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of young woman from Nebraska, Clarissa DeBock, who was diagnosed with E. coli O157 and is said to be currently recovering under medical supervision. She contracted E. coli from a Quarter Pounder. Her case drew attention to the outbreak’s reach among adults with no prior health issues.
All three of these McDonald’s E. coli Lawsuits, brought by the same highly experienced E. coli Lawyer, seek damages for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and loss of income.
These legal actions underscore the importance of food safety practices and the accountability of companies involved in the production and distribution of food products.
Legal and Financial Repercussions
The outbreak has already led to a series of legal challenges for McDonald’s and Taylor Farms who are both reviewing what changes need to be made in their distribution and supply systems – if any. The lawsuits have not only brought attention to the health impacts on individuals but also raised questions about supply chain oversight and the need for rigorous testing protocols.
While McDonald’s is expected to weather the storm and restore consumer trust, the future of the supplier, Taylor Farms, is less clear. Much will depend on how it addresses the outbreak and the concerns of the victims.
Public Health Response
The CDC, FDA, and state health departments collaborated to investigate the outbreak, conducting traceback analyses and testing samples from the supply chain. The FDA inspected Taylor Farms’ processing facilities and an onion grower in Washington state to identify the contamination source. Public health officials emphasized the importance of food safety protocols to prevent future outbreaks.
Consumers who have recently consumed onions, especially in Quarter Pounders, are advised to monitor for symptoms of E. coli infection, such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. While these symptoms are always concerning, this is especially true if the consumer had recently consumed McDonald’s Quarter Pounders with slivered onions. Public health officials are encouraging affected individuals to seek medical attention and stay informed about ongoing developments.
According toe E. coli Lawyer Ron Simon:
“The E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent food safety measures. The lawsuits filed against McDonald’s and Taylor Farms highlight the critical need for accountability and comprehensive safety practices within the food industry to protect consumers and prevent such devastating events in the future.”
