McDonald’s, a popular fast-food chain known for its Quarter Pounder burgers, is facing a serious situation as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked an E. coli outbreak to these menu items. The outbreak has resulted in 10 hospitalizations and sadly, one death.
The CDC has reported a total of 49 cases in 10 states between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, with most of the illnesses being reported in Colorado and Nebraska. The agency mentioned that “most” of the affected individuals had consumed a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder before falling ill. One patient even developed a severe condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure. Tragically, an older adult in Colorado passed away due to this outbreak.
Following the CDC’s announcement, McDonald’s shares took a hit, dropping approximately 7% in after-hours trading. In response to the situation, McDonald’s has taken immediate action to address the issue. They have identified slivered onions as a potential source of the contamination, which are used in the Quarter Pounder and supplied by a single supplier to three distribution centers. As a precautionary measure, McDonald’s has instructed all its restaurants to remove slivered onions from their supply chain and has halted the distribution of this ingredient in affected areas.
As a result of the outbreak, Quarter Pounder hamburgers will be temporarily unavailable in several Western states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as parts of other states. However, McDonald’s has assured customers that other beef products on their menu, such as the cheeseburger, hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and double cheeseburger, are not affected, as they use a different type of onion product.
McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger emphasized that the majority of states and menu items are not impacted by the outbreak. He also mentioned that the company is working diligently to restore the full menu in the affected states as quickly as possible. Erlinger expressed McDonald’s commitment to food safety and the well-being of their customers.
It is worth noting that E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gut of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, some can cause severe illness if ingested through contaminated food or water. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, typically appearing three to four days after exposure. Fortunately, most people recover within a week without medical intervention.
This recent E. coli outbreak is not the first time McDonald’s has been associated with such incidents. In 2022, there were reports of children developing E. coli symptoms after consuming Chicken McNuggets Happy Meals in Alabama, resulting in hospitalizations for some of them.
As the investigation into the current outbreak continues, McDonald’s is working closely with health authorities and suppliers to ensure the safety of their customers. Their swift response and transparency in addressing the issue demonstrate their dedication to upholding food safety standards.
