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[City, State] – A serious E. coli outbreak has been linked to McDonald’s restaurants with 10 individuals hospitalized and one death reported. The outbreak is believed to be associated with the popular Quarter Pounder burger.
So far, there have been 49 cases reported in 10 states from Sept. 27 and Oct. 11 with a heavy concentration in Colorado and Nebraska. The CDC says the number of cases may be much higher than reports suggest because not everyone afflicted will report it or receive medical care.
Health officials have issued a warning to consumers to avoid consuming Quarter Pounders from McDonald’s locations in the affected area until further notice. The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the source of the E. coli contamination.
Early reports indicate that the slivered onions — or fresh onions sliced into thin shapes, may be the source of contamination.
E. coli is a type of bacteria that can cause severe foodborne illness. Symptoms often include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure.
McDonald’s has issued a statement expressing its concern about the outbreak and assuring customers that the company is cooperating fully with health officials to address the situation. The fast-food chain has also implemented enhanced safety measures at its affected restaurants to prevent further contamination.
“…we are taking swift and decisive action following an E. Coli outbreak in certain states. The initial findings from the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers. As a result, and in line with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply and we have paused the distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area.”
The chain is also “temporarily” taking the Quarter Pounder off the menu in 8 states: Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Before the market opened today, McDonald’s shares dropped about 7% from the news.
Wendy’s had an E. Coli outbreak in 2022 from infected lettuce which resulted in hundreds of people getting sick with 109 confirmed reports. There are now five lawsuits being filed in relation to the 2022 outbreak.
Consumers who have recently consumed Quarter Pounders from McDonald’s and are experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness are urged to seek medical attention immediately: stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, usually start three to four days after consuming the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after five to seven days.
