Customer claims dairy allergy ignored, resulting in severe health crisis after consuming fast food classic

A New York City man has filed a lawsuit against McDonald’s, alleging that a near-fatal allergic reaction was triggered by the inclusion of cheese in his Big Mac order, despite specifying a dairy allergy. Charles Olsen’s legal action comes after a harrowing experience in 2021 when his attempt to enjoy the iconic burger ended in a life-threatening emergency.

According to the lawsuit filed on Friday (February 2), Olsen’s ordeal began when he ordered a Big Mac from a local McDonald’s via DoorDash, explicitly requesting no cheese due to his severe milk allergy. Despite this precaution, the suit claims that Olsen’s order arrived with cheese, unbeknownst to him until he took the first few bites.

Almost immediately, Olsen experienced alarming symptoms, including throat swelling, itching, and a burning sensation throughout his body. His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to the onset of hives and difficulty breathing. Olsen’s girlfriend rushed him to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.

The 28-year-old’s health crisis escalated to the point where medical intervention was urgently required to stabilize him. Fortunately, doctors were able to avert further complications after hours of intensive care.

In a statement conveyed through his legal representatives, Olsen expressed frustration over the challenges faced by individuals with food allergies when dining out. He emphasized the importance of clear allergen information and proper staff training to ensure the safety of customers.

The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of McDonald’s, citing the absence of allergy warnings or cross-contamination precautions in Olsen’s order. Despite having made similar requests without incident in the past, Olsen’s trust in the establishment was shattered by the traumatic experience.

While the lawsuit does not specify monetary damages, it calls for McDonald’s to implement robust food safety and allergy protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. In response to inquiries, McDonald’s emphasized its commitment to customer safety and pledged to investigate the claims seriously.

As Olsen seeks justice for the ordeal that nearly cost him his life, the lawsuit underscores the critical importance of allergy awareness and accountability in the food service industry.