An ongoing E. coli outbreak connected to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has resulted in one death and numerous illnesses across 10 states, with Colorado being the hardest hit, reporting 26 cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of Tuesday, a total of 49 individuals have been infected, 10 of whom required hospitalization. The specific strain identified, E. coli O157:H7, is known for causing severe illness and was previously implicated in a tragic 1993 outbreak that claimed the lives of four children who consumed undercooked hamburgers at Jack in the Box restaurants.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s shares dropped approximately 6% in after-hours trading. A livestock trader noted that this incident could put pressure on U.S. cattle futures by diminishing beef demand.
The CDC’s investigation revealed that all affected individuals had dined at McDonald’s prior to falling ill, with the Quarter Pounder being a common choice among them. While the precise ingredient responsible for the outbreak has yet to be determined, investigators are focusing on slivered onions and fresh beef patties as potential sources.
Most cases have been confirmed in Colorado and Nebraska, prompting McDonald’s North America Chief Supply Chain Officer, Cesar Piña, to state that initial findings link some illnesses to slivered onions sourced from a single supplier servicing three distribution centers.
To mitigate the issue, McDonald’s has proactively removed these onions and beef patties from restaurants in the affected areas, each of which includes Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming. The company is also collaborating with suppliers to restore its inventory in the coming week.
Food safety attorney Bill Marler, who has a history of representing victims in high-profile E. coli cases, warned that additional cases might emerge. He noted that while onions have been tied to previous outbreaks, beef contamination has become less frequent due to improved food safety protocols.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, usually arising three to four days post-exposure, although they can manifest anytime between one to ten days following contact with the bacteria, as explained by Colorado’s public health department.
In addition to the primary cases in Colorado, smaller groups of illnesses have been reported in Nebraska, Utah, and Wyoming. Isolated cases have also appeared in Kansas, Missouri, Oregon, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Montana.
About The Author
