McDonald’s recently issued a statement after a customer had a scary experience after eating a cheeseburger. The fast food chain is warning customers about potential safety concerns. Beth McIntosh visited a McDonald’s in Exeter and soon after eating a cheeseburger, she went into anaphylactic shock. She had to be rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Beth shared her frightening experience, saying, “It was quite severe. I actually thought that was it. Within minutes my face had come up all red and my eyes were swollen. My throat had started to close up. The EpiPen had improved me a little bit by the time the ambulance arrived.” She also mentioned that she had never experienced an allergic reaction before, only discovering her nut allergy in recent years. While receiving treatment at the hospital, Beth experienced a “secondary reaction” that included itching, burning, coughing, and struggling to breathe for about four hours.
The cheeseburger that Beth had ordered is part of McDonald’s saver menu, containing a beef patty, cheddar, ketchup, pickles, onions, and mustard. The mustard ingredient is currently being investigated due to potential cross-contamination concerns. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recently issued a warning for people with peanut allergies regarding mustard products in the market that may be contaminated. The FSA is working with authorities and businesses to identify affected products. They advise those with peanut allergies to avoid consuming any products containing mustard until the issue is resolved. Rebecca Sudworth, the FSA’s Director of Food Policy, emphasized the importance of checking labels and asking about ingredients when eating out or getting takeout, especially for children with peanut allergies.
McDonald’s responded to the FSA warning, reassuring customers that their mustard supply is not affected by the contamination issue. However, they acknowledge that they cannot guarantee their food is completely free from nuts or peanuts, despite not having these ingredients in their menu items. While they provide allergen guidance, they cannot ensure complete allergen-free food due to the nature of restaurant operations.
It’s essential for those with allergies to stay informed about potential risks and recalls by signing up for allergy alerts from relevant authorities. The safety and well-being of customers remain a top priority for both McDonald’s and regulatory agencies.