Ever looked at your burger and wondered if it might come with a side of stomach cramps? You’re not alone. Recent data shows that food poisoning from fast food places happens more often than you might think. According to the CDC, about 1 in 6 Americans gets sick from food every year, and restaurants account for more than half of all outbreaks. But not all fast food chains have the same track record when it comes to keeping customers healthy. Some places show up in reports way more often than others. Ready to find out which drive-thru might send you to the bathroom instead of back to work?
McDonald’s tops the list in most states
If you’re a fan of the golden arches, this might be hard to swallow. McDonald’s has the most food poisoning reports in 23 out of 50 states according to data gathered between 2012 and 2023. That’s nearly half the country where McDonald’s leads in making customers sick. A recent report shows that McDonald’s customers are about 60% more likely to get sick compared to the average fast food diner. This doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get sick from eating there, but the numbers do show a pattern worth noting.
In early 2024, McDonald’s faced a serious E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions in Quarter Pounders. This incident alone made 104 people sick across 14 states. While the company did confirm that their beef patties weren’t to blame, the outbreak raised new concerns about food safety practices at the world’s largest fast food chain. When you consider that McDonald’s serves millions of customers daily, even a small percentage of food safety issues can affect thousands of people.
Chipotle has the most complaints per restaurant
While McDonald’s leads in total reports, Chipotle takes the crown when you look at the rate of complaints per restaurant. In 2022, Chipotle received 25 food poisoning complaints for every 100 restaurants, totaling 776 complaints nationwide. That’s a lot of upset stomachs from burrito bowls. Chipotle comes in second place overall with the most food poisoning reports in 20 states. Their track record is particularly concerning given that they market themselves as serving fresher, higher-quality food than traditional fast food.
Chipotle’s food safety troubles aren’t new. Between 2015 and 2018, the chain experienced eight separate outbreaks that sickened over 1,100 people with norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli. These incidents hit the company hard, both in terms of customer trust and stock value. Chipotle has since implemented new food safety measures, but the high number of recent complaints suggests they may still have work to do. The chain’s focus on fresh, unprocessed ingredients may actually increase certain risks if proper handling procedures aren’t followed exactly.
Sweetgreen has the highest rate of incidents
If you thought salads were the safe option, think again. Sweetgreen, a popular salad chain, actually has the highest rate of food poisoning of any fast food restaurant according to recent data. Customers at Sweetgreen are a whopping 10 times more likely to get sick compared to the industry average. That’s not a typo—ten times! This might come as a surprise since salads are typically associated with health and wellness. But when you think about it, there’s a logical explanation behind these numbers.
The high rate at Sweetgreen likely stems from the fact that their fresh produce isn’t heated before serving. Heat kills many harmful bacteria, but raw vegetables don’t go through this safety step. Leafy greens are actually one of the most common sources of food poisoning in the US. They can be contaminated in the field, during processing, or through improper handling. Since Sweetgreen’s entire menu centers around uncooked vegetables, the chain has to be extra careful with food safety protocols—and the data suggests they might be falling short.
Applebee’s ranks second overall in making people sick
While not technically fast food in the traditional sense, Applebee’s deserves mention as it ranks second overall in food poisoning rates. Customers at Applebee’s are 150% more likely to get sick compared to the industry average, according to reports from iwaspoisoned.com. That’s significantly worse than McDonald’s 60% higher-than-average rate. Applebee’s positioning as a casual dining restaurant with a more extensive menu than typical fast food might create additional food safety challenges, with more ingredients to manage and more complex dishes to prepare safely.
The higher rate of incidents at Applebee’s raises questions about whether sit-down chains with larger menus face more food safety challenges than specialized fast food restaurants. With more ingredients in the kitchen and more complex dishes, there are simply more opportunities for something to go wrong. Temperature control becomes more difficult with varied cooking methods and holding times. The data suggests that sometimes the perception of “higher quality” food doesn’t necessarily translate to safer food.
Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A round out the top offenders
After McDonald’s and Chipotle, Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A have the most food poisoning reports by state. Taco Bell leads in 5 states for food poisoning complaints, while Chick-fil-A also appears high on the list of chains with food safety issues. Both chains have had their share of outbreaks over the years. Taco Bell in particular had a major E. coli outbreak in 2006 that made headlines. The chain’s use of prepared foods that sit in warming trays creates potential for temperature abuse, a leading cause of bacterial growth.
Taco Bell has faced multiple outbreaks over the years, including E. coli and salmonella incidents between 2006 and 2011. These were traced back to contaminated produce like lettuce. Similarly, Chick-fil-A, despite its reputation for cleanliness and quality, appears in the top food poisoning complaint lists alongside Panda Express and Panera Bread. These chains all serve foods that require careful temperature control and ingredient handling. The data shows that even popular chains with strong customer loyalty aren’t immune to food safety problems.
The safest options might surprise you
Not all fast food chains are equal when it comes to food safety. According to the data, Dairy Queen, Subway, and Pizza Hut have lower-than-average rates of food poisoning incidents. This might seem counterintuitive, especially for Dairy Queen with its ice cream focus (dairy can be risky), but the numbers don’t lie. These chains appear to have more effective food safety protocols in place, or their food items might inherently carry lower risk factors. For example, Subway’s made-to-order approach means food spends less time in the danger zone for bacterial growth.
The relative safety of pizza chains like Pizza Hut makes sense when you think about it. Pizza goes through a high-heat cooking process that kills most harmful bacteria. The lower rates at these chains show that even in the fast food industry, some places do prioritize safety effectively. It’s worth noting that no restaurant can guarantee zero risk, but understanding which chains have better track records can help you make informed choices. If you have a sensitive stomach or are particularly concerned about food safety, these lower-risk options might be worth considering.
Where you live affects your risk
Food poisoning rates aren’t just about which chain you visit—they also vary widely depending on where you live. Illinois has the highest level of food poisoning reports with 15.3 complaints per 100,000 people. Chicago alone accounts for a whopping 1,300 of the 1,900 cases reported in the state. California, Nevada, Arizona, and Washington DC round out the top five states with the most food poisoning complaints. The geographic differences might reflect variations in state health department oversight, inspection frequency, or reporting systems.
The concentration of complaints in urban areas like Chicago suggests that city-specific factors might play a role. Higher population density means more restaurants serving more people, increasing the statistical likelihood of incidents. Urban areas might also have better reporting systems, making it easier for customers to file complaints. Temperature and climate could be factors too, as warmer regions may face additional challenges keeping food properly refrigerated. Whatever the reason, knowing that certain areas have higher rates of food poisoning could help you be more cautious when dining out in those locations.
How to protect yourself when eating out
So what can you do to reduce your risk? Start by checking restaurant inspection scores, which are often available online or posted in the restaurant. Order food that’s cooked to the proper temperature—undercooked meat is a common culprit in food poisoning cases. Be wary of items that sit at room temperature for long periods, like buffet foods or salad bars. Trust your senses too—if something looks or smells off, don’t eat it. And consider timing: restaurants are typically busiest during lunch and dinner rushes, which can put pressure on staff to cut corners.
If you do get sick after eating out, report it. Many cases go unreported, which makes it harder to identify and address problems. Most health departments have easy ways to report suspected food poisoning online. Reporting doesn’t just help others—it can also alert authorities to potential outbreaks before they become widespread. Remember that symptoms of food poisoning can start anywhere from a few hours to several days after eating contaminated food. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. If symptoms are severe or persist, seek medical attention.
While no fast food chain can guarantee 100% safety, knowing which ones have higher rates of food poisoning can help you make smarter choices. McDonald’s and Chipotle lead in reports across most states, while Sweetgreen has the highest rate of making customers sick. But remember, these statistics don’t mean you’ll definitely get sick eating at these places—just that the odds are slightly higher. The best protection is staying informed and using common sense when choosing where and what to eat. After all, that burger or burrito bowl should satisfy your hunger, not send you running to the bathroom!
