McDonald’s Boss Apologises to Those Affected by E. coli Outbreak

The boss of McDonald’s has apologised to customers hit by an E. coli outbreak in the US linked to the chain’s Quarter Pounders, a new setback for the chain which has been struggling with flagging sales.

Chief executive Chris Kempczinski said McDonald’s was sorry for what its customers experienced.

He offered sincere and deepest sympathies and said they were committed to making it right.

Executives told investors they believed the public health scare was contained and did not think it would have a material impact on sales.

But they acknowledged it had added to the pressure the company has been under, as budget-conscious customers eat out less.

On Tuesday, two customers in the US filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against the firm over the incident. Other consumers have also taken legal action.