Feeling queasy after that fast food meal? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Americans report getting sick after eating at popular chain restaurants. While most of us assume all major fast food spots follow the same safety rules, the truth is some chains are much more likely to leave you running to the bathroom than others. Recent reports show clear patterns about which restaurants top the list for food poisoning complaints nationwide. So which fast food spot should you be most wary of?
Chipotle has the most food poisoning complaints nationwide
If you’ve ever had stomach troubles after eating a burrito bowl, statistics suggest you’re far from alone. According to recent data, Chipotle ranks as the fast food chain with the highest number of food poisoning complaints across America. The Mexican-inspired chain received the most complaints in 16 different states, with a shocking 25 complaints per 100 restaurants on IWasPoisoned.com in 2022 alone. That adds up to 776 total complaints in just one year. Many customers report symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting within hours of eating at the chain.
Between 2015 and 2018, Chipotle experienced multiple serious outbreaks of norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli that sickened over 1,100 people across the country. These repeated incidents were so severe that the FDA eventually stepped in, hitting the company with a $25 million fine. Even after implementing new safety protocols, the chain continues to generate more illness reports than its competitors. The company’s focus on fresh, uncooked ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes may contribute to this ongoing issue, as these items aren’t heated to kill potential bacteria.
McDonald’s comes in second for most illness reports
The golden arches might be everywhere, but so are complaints about getting sick after eating there. McDonald’s ranks second nationally for food poisoning complaints, topping the list in 8 states according to food safety reports. More concerning, a recent analysis found that McDonald’s is approximately 60% more likely to cause sickness than the industry average. This statistic is particularly alarming given how many millions of Americans eat at McDonald’s daily. The sheer volume of customers means even a small percentage of food safety issues affects thousands of people.
The fast food giant made headlines in late 2024 with a serious E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounder sandwiches. This incident sickened 49 people across 10 states and resulted in one death. McDonald’s eventually identified California-based Taylor Farms as the supplier of contaminated onions and temporarily pulled Quarter Pounders from about 20% of its U.S. locations. The outbreak was serious enough that other chains including Burger King, KFC, and Taco Bell also removed onions from their menus as a precaution.
Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A tie for third place
Mexican-inspired fast food apparently comes with extra risks. Taco Bell shares the third spot for most food poisoning complaints, leading the list in 4 states. The chain has battled multiple E. coli and salmonella outbreaks through the years, often traced back to contaminated lettuce. When you think about how many ingredients go into a typical Taco Bell order – meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and more – there are multiple points where contamination can occur. And since many of these items are prepared in advance and assembled quickly, proper temperature control becomes challenging.
Tied with Taco Bell is Chick-fil-A, which also leads food poisoning complaints in 4 states. This might surprise fans of the popular chicken chain, which has a reputation for cleanliness and quality. However, reports indicate that chicken items can be particularly risky if not cooked thoroughly. Raw or undercooked chicken can harbor dangerous bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter. Even with strict cooking protocols, the high volume and fast pace at busy Chick-fil-A locations might occasionally lead to chicken not reaching the safe internal temperature of 165°F throughout.
Healthy-focused chains aren’t necessarily safer
Think ordering a salad instead of a burger means you’re less likely to get sick? Think again. Surprisingly, Sweetgreen – known for its fresh salads and bowls – ranks as the chain most likely to cause food poisoning compared to industry averages. According to consumer reports, customers are 11 times more likely to experience food poisoning or stomach issues after eating at Sweetgreen than at an average fast food restaurant. This counterintuitive finding has a logical explanation: fresh, uncooked vegetables can harbor bacteria that would normally be killed during cooking.
Other chains marketing themselves as “fresher” alternatives face similar challenges. Panera Bread also appears among the top chains for food poisoning complaints. The reality is that produce like lettuce, spinach, and other raw vegetables are frequently linked to foodborne illness outbreaks. Without a cooking step to kill potentially harmful bacteria, these fresh ingredients require extra careful handling and washing. Next time you’re choosing between a salad and a burger, remember that properly cooked meat can sometimes be the safer option.
Burger chains have the most health code violations
When it comes to cleanliness and following food safety rules, burger chains often score poorly. A Dateline NBC investigation that reviewed health inspection reports for over 1,000 restaurants found that Burger King had the highest number of critical health code violations at 241. These violations included serious issues that could directly lead to customer illness, not just minor cleanliness concerns. Arby’s followed closely with 210 violations, and Wendy’s took third place with 206 violations. These numbers are especially concerning when you consider that health inspections only capture a single point in time.
What kinds of problems are inspectors finding? The violations range from employees not washing hands to food stored at unsafe temperatures and even pest infestations. Inspectors reported finding rodents and insects in some locations. The fast-paced environment of burger chains, combined with high employee turnover, creates conditions where proper food safety protocols can easily be overlooked. The investigation found that more than 60% of fast food restaurants had at least one critical violation that could potentially make customers sick.
Some states have much higher rates of fast food illness
Where you live affects your risk of getting sick from fast food. Illinois stands out with the highest rate of food poisoning complaints in the country – 15.3 people per 100,000 reported food poisoning in 2022. Chicago alone accounted for 1,300 of the state’s 1,900 reported cases. Other high-risk states include Nevada, California, Arizona, and Washington DC. The geographic differences might be due to variations in state health inspection requirements, climate conditions that affect food storage, or even different reporting rates among local populations.
Weather patterns can impact food safety too. Warmer states like Arizona and Nevada face additional challenges with refrigeration and keeping food at safe temperatures, especially during hot summer months. Higher humidity in some regions can create conditions where bacteria multiply faster. Different states also have varying standards for how often restaurants must be inspected and what penalties they face for violations, leading to inconsistent enforcement of food safety standards across the country.
How to protect yourself when eating fast food
You don’t have to give up fast food entirely to stay safe, but there are smart steps you can take to reduce your risk. First, check the restaurant’s most recent health inspection score – many counties now post these online or require restaurants to display them visibly. Watch how employees handle food when you’re ordering. Are they wearing gloves? Changing them between tasks? Washing hands? These visible cues can tell you a lot about a restaurant’s commitment to food safety. And trust your instincts – if something doesn’t look or smell right, don’t eat it.
Certain menu items carry higher risks than others. Raw vegetables, like those in salads, can harbor bacteria that cooking would normally kill. Always check that hot foods are served steaming hot and cold foods are properly chilled. If you’re especially concerned, avoid ordering items with raw onions, lettuce, or sprouts, which are frequently linked to outbreaks. Remember that food poisoning symptoms can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to appear, so keep track of what you’ve eaten recently if you start feeling sick.
While no fast food chain is completely risk-free, Chipotle currently tops the list for food poisoning complaints nationwide, followed by McDonald’s, with Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A tied for third. Fresh, uncooked ingredients create particular challenges for food safety, which is why even “healthier” chains like Sweetgreen can have higher rates of illness. Your best protection is staying informed and taking simple precautions when ordering. Fast food will always be convenient, but a little knowledge can help make sure your meal doesn’t come with an unwanted side of food poisoning.
