Clarissa DeBock, who fell ill after dining at McDonald’s and being diagnosed with E.coli, is taking legal action against the fast-food chain. There have been 75 cases of E.coli linked to the outbreak and one reported death. The outbreak is believed to have originated from raw onions supplied by Taylor Farms. Several other fast-food chains, including Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, have removed onions from their restaurants as a precaution. DeBock is seeking compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and physical and emotional suffering, and she is the second person to sue McDonald’s in connection to the outbreak.
Ron Simon, managing partner of a food safety law firm representing DeBock and other individuals impacted by the outbreak, has stated that McDonald’s breached trust by failing to ensure food safety. Simon’s clients have experienced severe illnesses, with one person developing sepsis and spending over a week in the hospital. McDonald’s has responded by temporarily pulling Quarter Pounders at 20% of its US locations in states where the outbreak has been reported. Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, reassured the public that food safety is a top priority for the company and stated that it is still safe to eat at McDonald’s despite the outbreak.
DeBock’s symptoms began five days after dining at McDonald’s and worsened to the point where she needed to seek medical attention. She felt that something was not right due to the severity of her symptoms. The outbreak has affected individuals in 13 states, resulting in hospitalizations and one death. The fast-food chain is under investigation for its role in the outbreak, with authorities pointing to raw onions as a possible source of contamination. McDonald’s has taken measures to address the issue, including removing onions from their restaurants and temporarily halting the use of certain ingredients in affected states.
Simon’s law firm is representing a total of 15 individuals who claim that their illnesses are connected to the E.coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s. He emphasized that patrons trust restaurants to prioritize their safety and expressed concerns about the breach of that trust by McDonald’s. The company is facing legal action from multiple individuals seeking compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of their illnesses. McDonald’s has not released a statement addressing the lawsuits or the outbreak, but Erlinger has assured the public that the company is working to protect public health and food safety. The situation remains ongoing as investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold in response to the outbreak.
