An outbreak of E. coli infections linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has resulted in one death and several hospitalizations.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 49 cases of illness across ten states. The outbreak has been most severe in Colorado, where 26 individuals fell ill. Other affected states include Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming, and Kansas.
The strain involved, E. coli O157:H7, is particularly dangerous and has caused severe health problems in the past, such as the 1993 outbreak tied to Jack in the Box restaurants, which led to the deaths of four children.
The current outbreak has raised concerns in the beef industry. Reduced demand for beef products could potentially impact U.S. cattle futures.
Investigators are focusing on fresh onions and beef patties used in the Quarter Pounder as potential sources of contamination. McDonald's has proactively removed these ingredients in the affected states while the investigation continues.
The company has also temporarily removed the Quarter Pound from menus in regions including Colorado, Utah, Kansas, and Wyoming, and it plans to replenish the supply soon.
McDonald's North America Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Piña mentioned that the contaminated slivered onions likely came from a single supplier serving three distribution centers.
Food safety attorney Bill Marler, who has experience with past E. coli cases, suggested that more cases could emerge, noting that onions have been linked to previous outbreaks.
E. coli O157:H7 symptoms typically begin within three to four days of exposure, causing severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
