E. Coli Outbreak Casts Shadow over McDonald's Stock with Quarter Pounder Crisis
1min read On October 23, a Colorado resident filed a lawsuit against McDonald's, alleging negligence in food handling after contracting E. coli. The outbreak has reportedly led to one death and ten hospitalizations. The lawsuit, initiated by Eric Schtrie, accuses McDonald's of mishandling their food management, demanding compensation of over $50,000.
According to health officials in Colorado, Schtrie's E. coli infection is linked to consuming a Quarter Pounder from McDonald’s, a connection being scrutinized by the state's health department. Meanwhile, McDonald's has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation.
This incident has prompted legal representation for fifteen other affected individuals by Ron Simon, Schtrie's attorney. The victims reported symptoms after consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, which were contaminated with the virulent O157:H7 E. coli strain, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC confirmed that this outbreak has resulted in 22 hospitalizations across thirteen states, highlighting the widespread impact. The CDC is investigating the possible contamination sources, including the onions used in the burgers, which have since been removed from affected locations' menus.
In response to this public health issue, McDonald's suspended sales of the implicated burgers in approximately one-fifth of its U.S. outlets. The fast-food giant has traced the onions to a California-based supplier, Taylor Farms, which is now recalling several onion products potentially tainted with E. coli.
The USDA has pointed to these onions as a likely contamination source; however, federal agencies are examining whether the Quarter Pounder's beef patties might also be culpable. As health authorities work to contain the outbreak, McDonald's has halted sales of the affected products in several states, reflecting the severity of the situation.
