An outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has sickened at least 104 individuals across 14 states, with 34 requiring hospitalization, according to federal health officials. Tragically, one person has died as a result of the infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the illnesses are associated with onions served on the popular burgers. The outbreak has been particularly severe in Colorado, which has recorded at least 30 cases, followed by Montana with 19 cases, and Nebraska with 13. Other states affected include New Mexico, Missouri, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, Michigan, Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The CDC noted that symptoms were reported between September 12 and October 21. At least seven of those infected mentioned eating McDonald’s food while traveling.
The likely source of the outbreak is slivered onions used on the Quarter Pounders. Taylor Farms, a California-based produce supplier, has recalled onions that may be linked to the outbreak. Although tests conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found E. coli in one onion sample, it did not match the strain responsible for the illnesses.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s announced on October 25 that onions from Taylor Farms’ Colorado facility had been distributed to around 900 restaurants in Colorado and nearby states. The company has since decided to stop sourcing onions from this facility indefinitely.
As a precautionary measure, McDonald’s removed Quarter Pounders from its menu in several states early in the outbreak. This action affected about 20% of its 14,000 U.S. locations.
The CDC has stated that the onions served at these restaurants are no longer available for sale and that the risk to public health is low.
E. coli infections can lead to serious health issues. Each year in the U.S., approximately 74,000 people become infected with E. coli, resulting in over 2,000 hospitalizations and around 61 deaths.
Symptoms typically appear within one to two days after consuming contaminated food and can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), and signs of dehydration.
Health officials urge anyone who has consumed a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and is experiencing severe symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.
In light of this outbreak, other fast-food chains have also taken precautionary measures. Yum! Brands has removed fresh onions from menus at KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell as a safety measure. Similarly, Burger King locations have stopped using onions temporarily in Colorado.
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