06 February 2024 , 08:09
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A McDonald's customer who was left with a "burning sensation throughout his body" has launched a lawsuit against the restaurant chain after claiming a Big Mac almost killed him.
Charles Olsen, 28, ordered a Big Mac delivery over the food delivery app DoorDash and requested "No American cheese" be placed between the buns and patties due to a severe milk allergy.
However, when the burger arrived he took a few bites and "immediately felt like something wasn't right" and suffered an anaphylaxis reaction, according to a lawsuit filed on Friday.
“His throat began to itch and swell,” the suit claims. “He felt a burning sensation throughout his body. He looked at his girlfriend, Alexandra, and coughed ‘there’s milk in this!”
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Charles claims he nearly died from eating a Big Mac (DDP/AFP via Getty Images)The incident, which occurred in February 2021, saw his body covered in hives and struggling to breathe, as she was rushed to the hospital by his terrified girlfriend. He was admitted for anaphylaxis and almost needed intubation to survive, the lawsuit claims. He was finally stabilised hours later during the frightening episode.
The 28-year-old said he holds restaurants responsible for the ingredients they place in their meals. The lawsuit also claims there was allegedly no allergy warning or cross-contamination warning when he made his order.
“I’ve had to go through my entire life having to tiptoe around menus, dealing with staff that doesn’t know how to handle food allergies, and so on,” he said through his lawyers.
“Allergies should be such a simple thing to be able to cater to as an establishment. There’s no reason why it can’t be clearly listed, options aren’t included when making an order to indicate allergies, and the staff properly trained to handle such a simple thing.
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“There has been progress made thankfully, but it is not enough. No one should have to fear for their health when they’re just trying to eat a meal.”
Jory Lange, one of Olsen's lawyers, said his client had placed his no-cheese order from the same fast-food chain multiple other times without a problem and believed he could trust the restaurant.
“This was a really, really traumatic experience for him,” Lange said. “Just imagine you’re eating a meal and suddenly your throat starts closing up.”
McDonald's declined to comment, but a statement from the owner of the franchise said: "Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers. We take every complaint seriously and are actively reviewing these claims.”
It is unclear what damages the 28-year-old is seeking, but the legal action demands that McDonald's follows adequate food and allergy policies.
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