If you live in Iowa and are a fan of McDonald’s or dine in at the fast-food establishment on occasion, you may want to avoid ordering a salad or any meal that contains lettuce for the time being. According to CNN, health departments in both Illinois and Iowa are now investigating several cases involving individuals who may have become sick from eating McDonald’s salads. The cyclospora parasite, which is what health officials are saying may be present in the salads, causes intestinal illness and many other discomforting symptoms.
Some of the symptoms that are linked to cyclospora include:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Nausea
- Gas
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fever
- Body aches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Frequent diarrhea
- “Explosive bowel movements”
CNN says that a person may begin experiencing these symptoms a week or so after consuming the contaminated food. Some individuals experience the symptoms for a few days while others suffer for months. They may find that at some point, they are beginning to feel better but then find themselves suffering once again from one or more of the symptoms mentioned above. While the illness can be treated with antibiotics, it is important that those who are experiencing any of these symptoms who have eaten a McDonald’s salad since the middle of June visit their doctor for an evaluation to determine if they did, in fact, contract the parasite.
As of right now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the state health departments are all working to determine the link between the salads and the cyclospora parasite. McDonald’s is cooperating with officials and has stated that they are removing the salad blend that may potentially be making people sick out of many of their Midwest locations. The cyclospora may have also been the parasite responsible for sickening nearly 200 people who consumed the Del Monte vegetable trays and led to a recall.
Because the connection has been made between the parasite and the McDonald’s salad, many who have fallen ill are being tested for cyclospora now. Some have even had to hire a personal injury lawyer as they were forced to endure the symptoms prior to being tested appropriately by doctors.
The reality is, restaurants, grocers, and any other types of food establishments are responsible for ensuring the food they serve to consumers is safe for them to eat. In the event something wasn’t made properly or was exposed to harmful bacteria, they have the duty to remove these items from their menu and/or shelves and notify consumers not to eat it.
Now, if you have fallen sick after eating something that has been linked to the presence of bacteria or a parasite, it is in your best interest to speak with an Iowa personal injury attorney at Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC who can discuss with you what your legal rights are in the matter. Because these types of outbreaks tend to lead to several visits to your doctor and/or the hospital, you may be entitled to collect compensation that can cover the amount you spent on these medical treatments.
If you would like to schedule a consultation where you can sit down with one of our personal injury lawyers in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids, call us now at 319-393-1020.
Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC is located at:
921 51st Street, NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-393-1020