McDonald’s is being sued by a Colorado man, Eric Stelly, who claims he contracted E. coli after eating a Quarter Pounder at a McDonald’s in Greeley, Colorado, on October 4, 2024. The lawsuit, filed in Cook County, Illinois, where McDonald’s is headquartered, seeks over $50,000 in damages, alleging negligence in the handling and preparation of the food.
This lawsuit follows a widespread E. coli outbreak that has sickened nearly 50 people across the U.S. West and Midwest, resulting in one death and 10 hospitalizations. McDonald’s responded by removing Quarter Pounders from the menus of approximately 20% of its 14,000 U.S. locations. Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, emphasized the need to rebuild public trust after the outbreak.
Health officials, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are collaborating with McDonald’s to trace the source of the contamination. Initial investigations point to slivered onions as the likely culprit, though beef patties are also being tested. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that onions were a probable source of the illness.
The strain of E. coli linked to this outbreak, O157
, is the same as that of the infamous 1993 Jack in the Box incident, which resulted in the deaths of four children. Despite extensive testing by McDonald’s suppliers during the outbreak period, the specific strain of E. coli was not detected.
The lawsuit is likely the first of many, as attorney Ron Simon, who represents Stelly, is also handling cases for 15 additional people affected by the outbreak. As the investigation continues, McDonald’s faces increased scrutiny over its supply chain and food safety practices, with significant reputational and financial implications.
This lawsuit follows a widespread E. coli outbreak that has sickened nearly 50 people across the U.S. West and Midwest, resulting in one death and 10 hospitalizations. McDonald’s responded by removing Quarter Pounders from the menus of approximately 20% of its 14,000 U.S. locations. Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, emphasized the need to rebuild public trust after the outbreak.
Health officials, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are collaborating with McDonald’s to trace the source of the contamination. Initial investigations point to slivered onions as the likely culprit, though beef patties are also being tested. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that onions were a probable source of the illness.
The strain of E. coli linked to this outbreak, O157
, is the same as that of the infamous 1993 Jack in the Box incident, which resulted in the deaths of four children. Despite extensive testing by McDonald’s suppliers during the outbreak period, the specific strain of E. coli was not detected.
The lawsuit is likely the first of many, as attorney Ron Simon, who represents Stelly, is also handling cases for 15 additional people affected by the outbreak. As the investigation continues, McDonald’s faces increased scrutiny over its supply chain and food safety practices, with significant reputational and financial implications.
