Despite legal battles over allergic reactions, New Yorker still frequents the Golden Arches

In a twist that’s as surprising as it is concerning, Charles Olsen, a New Yorker with a severe milk allergy, finds himself embroiled in a lawsuit against McDonald’s over a near-fatal encounter with cheese in a Big Mac. Despite this harrowing experience, Olsen has revealed he still patronizes the fast-food giant, albeit with a more cautious approach to his orders.

Back in 2021, after specifying “NO American cheese” on his DoorDash order from a local McDonald’s, Olsen was shocked to discover cheese in his burger, triggering a severe allergic reaction. The 28-year-old, who had safely ordered the same cheese-free Big Mac “many times” before, initially noticed nothing amiss with his meal until a few bites in, when the telltale signs of anaphylaxis set in.

Rushed to the hospital with his throat swelling and body burning, Olsen faced a life-threatening situation, requiring intubation despite a barrage of medications aimed at calming the allergic reaction. His girlfriend, Alexandra DiBenedetto, stood by, fearing for his life through a night that Olsen wasn’t sure he’d survive.

Fast forward to three years later, Olsen has taken legal action against the fast-food chain, advocating for stricter adherence to food allergy policies. Yet, in a revelation that has raised eyebrows, he admits to still frequenting the franchise. The specific branch on 8th Avenue where the incident occurred has since closed, but Olsen continues to order from other McDonald’s locations, albeit sticking to a safer choice of “just the patty and bun” to avoid another cheese mishap.

Olsen’s continued patronage of McDonald’s, despite his lawsuit and the traumatic event, underscores a complex relationship with the brand. It also highlights a broader issue many with severe allergies face: the trust placed in food establishments to respect and accurately fulfil dietary restrictions.

McDonald’s has responded to the lawsuit with a statement emphasizing the importance of customer safety and a commitment to taking complaints seriously. As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in seemingly simple food orders for individuals with life-threatening allergies.

Olsen’s ordeal and his decision to remain a McDonald’s customer, albeit with significant modifications to his orders, reflect both the challenges of living with food allergies and the importance of food service providers rigorously adhering to customers’ dietary needs.