A class action lawsuit has been launched against McDonald’s, with a group of consumers claiming they suffered from E. coli symptoms after eating Quarter Pounders.
This lawsuit was filed on October 29, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Plaintiffs and Allegations
Among the plaintiffs are Amanda McCray and William Michael Kraft, both of whom dined on the Quarter Pounder burgers in October 2024.
Following their meal, they began to display symptoms that are typically associated with E. coli infections, such as severe abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
In serious cases, these infections can lead to bloody diarrhea and other life-threatening complications.
By late October, McDonald’s had started looking into the issue after receiving reports of a potential outbreak, which had been linked to the popular burgers.
Initial figures from the investigation indicated at least 75 infections, 22 hospitalizations, and one confirmed death tied to the outbreak.
Consumer Expectations and Misrepresentation
The plaintiffs argue that had they known about the risk of E. coli contamination, they would have never ordered the Quarter Pounders.
Their lawsuit highlights a lack of information regarding E. coli risks, both on the packaging and on McDonald’s official website.
They contend that this absence of warnings misled them into believing that the burgers were safe to consume, ultimately leading to dire health repercussions.
Furthermore, McCray and Kraft emphasize that they expected to receive safe food products, as any reasonable consumer would assume that their meals would not be contaminated with E. coli.
They claim they were denied the value they were promised since the Quarter Pounders failed to meet expected safety standards.
The lawsuit argues that McDonald’s had a duty to inform customers, including the plaintiffs, about potential contamination—a responsibility stemming from their role as the producer, distributor, and seller of these products.
Legal Claims and Remedies
The plaintiffs’ case includes several allegations such as unjust enrichment, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, and strict liability, among others.
They are seeking various remedies, including a declaration from the court, compensatory and punitive damages, medical monitoring costs, along with interest, restitution, injunctive relief, and their legal expenses.
The case underscores the plaintiffs’ assertion that McDonald’s should have provided adequate warnings to protect the health of their customers.
Source: Justia