The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a serious warning: an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has claimed one life and sickened dozens across 10 western states. The outbreak, which began in late September, has primarily affected Colorado and Nebraska, with 49 cases reported so far.
Following the announcement, McDonald’s stock prices plummeted by more than six percent in after-hours trading. Ten people have been hospitalized, including one child diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that damages blood vessels in the kidneys.
The CDC confirmed that all affected individuals shared the same E. coli strain and had consumed Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s before experiencing symptoms. While investigators are still working to pinpoint the exact source of contamination, their primary focus is on slivered onions and beef patties, both of which have been removed from restaurants in the affected states.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger released a video message emphasizing the company’s commitment to food safety. He announced that they had proactively removed slivered onions from select states and temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in those areas. While the majority of states are unaffected, McDonald’s has taken these steps to ensure public health and safety.
The CDC is advising anyone who consumed a Quarter Pounder and developed symptoms of E. coli poisoning, such as diarrhea, fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and vomiting, to seek immediate medical attention. Typically, symptoms appear three to four days after exposure, and most individuals recover within a week without treatment. However, some cases can become severe and require hospitalization.
The ongoing investigation into the E. coli outbreak highlights the importance of food safety practices and underscores the potential for widespread impact even from seemingly minor foodborne illnesses. The CDC and McDonald’s are actively working to contain the outbreak and prevent further cases.
