E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Sickens 49 Across 10 States

An alarming outbreak of E. coli food poisoning linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has spread across 10 states, affecting 49 people. One person has tragically died, and ten others have been hospitalized, according to federal health officials on Tuesday.

Death and Hospitalizations Reported

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that an older individual in Colorado died due to the outbreak. Additionally, a child is among those hospitalized, suffering from severe kidney complications, a common effect of serious E. coli infections.

States with reported cases include Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Colorado has been hit the hardest with 26 cases, followed by Nebraska with nine.

McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Implicated

Health officials revealed that everyone interviewed in connection with the outbreak had eaten at McDonald’s prior to falling ill, with most cases involving individuals who had consumed Quarter Pounder hamburgers. The CDC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state health officials are working to identify the source of the contamination.

While no specific ingredient has been confirmed, investigators are focusing on the slivered onions and beef patties used in the burgers. Preliminary findings from the FDA point to slivered onions as a possible source of contamination, while the USDA is investigating the hamburger patties.

McDonald’s Response

McDonald’s responded swiftly to the outbreak, stating that the illnesses may be linked to onions sourced from a single supplier. As a precaution, the company has suspended the distribution of slivered onions and temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in the affected states, as well as in parts of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

“We take food safety extremely seriously, and it’s the right thing to do,” the company said in a statement.

Understanding E. Coli and Its Risks

E. coli bacteria, commonly found in the intestines of animals and in the environment, can cause serious illness in humans. Symptoms include fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, especially in children under five, E. coli infection can lead to life-threatening kidney failure.

The strain involved in this outbreak, E. coli O157

, causes approximately 74,000 infections in the U.S. annually, resulting in more than 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths. Health officials advise anyone experiencing symptoms after eating McDonald’s food to seek medical care and report what they ate.

Financial Impact on McDonald’s

The outbreak adds to a challenging year for McDonald’s, which has already been grappling with declining sales. Global same-store sales fell for the first time in nearly four years in the second quarter, as inflation caused customers to reduce dining out. In response, McDonald’s introduced a $5 meal deal in June, which has been extended through December, although it does not include the Quarter Pounder.

Following the CDC’s announcement, McDonald’s shares dropped 9% in after-hours trading on Tuesday, underscoring the financial blow the company could face. This significant decline may be exacerbated by potential lawsuits and a loss of customer trust.

As investigations continue, McDonald’s and federal health officials urge the public to stay vigilant and report any symptoms associated with E. coli infection. Prompt medical attention could prevent further spread of this outbreak and mitigate its consequences.