Foodborne Illnesses on the Rise Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Dear Reader,

Recalls for dangerous, contaminated, or mislabeled foods seem to be on the rise these days.  One of the more alarming recalls involved McDonald’s most popular menu item, the Quarter Pounder hamburger.  So far, around 50 cases of E.coli have been reported across 10 states. This has resulted in multiple hospitalizations and, tragically, one death. Among the victims, one person has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure.

The CDC is investigating, and McDonald’s has pulled certain ingredients in the affected areas, but other menu items, including Cheeseburgers, Big Macs, and Double Cheeseburgers, are still available.

1. coli is a dangerous bacterium that can cause you to get seriously ill. Symptoms can include diarrhea, fever over 102°F, vomiting, dehydration, and an inability to keep liquids down. Most people recover, but the risks associated with E. coli should not be underestimated. In some cases, such as the current outbreak, hospitalization and even death can occur.

The CDC advises anyone experiencing these symptoms, especially after eating a Quarter Pounder or another potentially contaminated food item, to seek medical attention immediately. If you or a loved one starts to suffer from dehydration, decreased urination, dizziness, or persistent diarrhea, consult a healthcare provider.

McDonald’s is cooperating with the CDC investigators. The fast-food giant has taken steps by pulling certain ingredients in multiple states to prevent further spread of the illness. While the investigation continues, stay cautious and informed about future announcements from McDonald’s or the CDC regarding recalls or further precautions.

Rising Food Safety Concerns

The recent McDonald’s E. coli outbreak is not an isolated incident. In recent months, several other food products have been recalled for safety concerns. BrucePAC recently recalled 10 million pounds of meat and poultry due to potential listeria contamination, which can cause severe illness, especially in pregnant women, newborns, and older adults. Similarly, frozen waffle and pancake products were pulled from shelves at major retailers over fears of listeria contamination.

Companies are responsible for the safety of the food they serve, and when they fail to do so, the consequences can be devastating.

At times like this, it’s important to remember that consumers have rights. If you or someone you care about has been affected by this outbreak or any other instance of foodborne illness, know that help is available. I’m sharing this information because I care about your safety and well-being. When companies fail to protect the public, they need to be held accountable.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to someone else’s negligence, whether it’s through contaminated food or another form of negligence, give my office a call. I’m here to help ensure you get fair compensation.

Until next time, stay safe, and never text while driving.

Paul Samakow

Attorney Paul Samakow
703-761-4343 | 301-949-1515