Deadly E. Coli outbreak forces McDonald’s to pull quarter pounders in multiple states.
A concerning food safety crisis has struck one of America’s most popular fast-food chains, claiming one life and leaving multiple people hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Tuesday that a dangerous E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has spread across multiple states, prompting immediate action from the fast-food giant.
Key Developments
- The outbreak has confirmed one death: an elderly person.
- 49 cases were reported across 10 states.
- Hospitalized were 10 people, including a child with serious complications.
- The majority of cases are concentrated in Colorado and Nebraska.
- McDonald’s has stopped using specific ingredients in affected regions.
The Outbreak’s scope
The CDC’s investigation reveals that 49 people have fallen ill across 10 states. Among the victims, one elderly person has died, and 10 others required hospitalization. Most worryingly, a child developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney condition that can emerge from an E. coli infection.
Health officials have traced most illnesses to people who ate McDonald’s Quarter Pounder sandwiches. The CDC describes their investigation as “fast-moving,” with early findings pointing to sliced onions as a likely source of contamination.
McDonald’s Response
The fast-food chain has taken swift action to protect public safety.
- In the affected areas, we stopped using slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties.
- We have removed potentially contaminated ingredients from stores in multiple states.
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Utah
- Wyoming
- Parts of Idaho
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
A McDonald’s spokesperson stated, “Serving customers safely in every single restaurant, each and every day, is our top priority.” The company traced the problem to “a single supplier that serves three distribution centers” and is working to restore safe Quarter Pounder supplies in the coming weeks.
Health risks and symptoms
E. coli infections typically cause the following symptoms:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Vomiting
Symptoms usually appear 3–4 days after exposure. While most people recover within a week without treatment, some cases can lead to serious kidney problems requiring hospitalization.
Public Health Advisory
The CDC warns that the outbreak may extend beyond the currently identified states. Anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder is advised to:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Inform healthcare providers about consuming the sandwich.
- Report the illness to local health authorities.
Market Impact
The news has already affected McDonald’s business operations. The company’s stock price dropped significantly in after-hours trading following the outbreak announcement.
Looking Ahead
While other McDonald’s menu items remain unaffected, including regular hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Big Macs, and McDoubles, Quarter Pounders may be unavailable in various locations until the company completes its investigation and restocks with safe ingredients.
The CDC and FDA continue to investigate this outbreak, working closely with McDonald’s to prevent further illnesses and identify the exact source of contamination.
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