By Nakiwala Barbra
A growing E. coli outbreak has been linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder sandwiches, leaving nearly 50 people sick across 10 states, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak, which has already resulted in hospitalizations and one death, is under investigation as the fast-food giant works with authorities to determine the source of contamination.
The CDC revealed that 49 cases of illness have been recorded so far, with 10 individuals hospitalized and one fatality a senior citizen from Colorado. Victims range in age from 13 to 88, and most cases have been reported in western and Midwest states, including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Investigators are focusing on the ingredients used in the Quarter Pounder sandwich, with initial suspicions pointing to slivered onions as the potential source of contamination. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also involved in the investigation, working to determine if the onions were sold to other businesses beyond McDonald’s.
McDonald’s has swiftly responded by removing affected ingredients from stores in several states and halting the shipment of slivered onions to the region. The company has temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from its menu in impacted areas as a precautionary measure.
“We take food safety extremely seriously, and it’s the right thing to do,” said Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, in a video message. McDonald’s also confirmed that other beef products remain available on the menu as the investigation continues.
The outbreak has drawn comparisons to a previous E. coli incident involving McDonald’s in 2022, when six children in Alabama fell ill after consuming chicken McNuggets. In that case, health inspectors identified several violations, including poor hand hygiene and improper food handling practices.
E. coli bacteria, which normally live harmlessly in the intestines of humans and animals, can cause serious illness when contaminated food is consumed. Symptoms typically include severe stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and fever. In some cases, the infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can cause kidney failure. One individual in the current outbreak developed HUS, according to the CDC.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, McDonald’s reassured customers that it is actively cooperating with health authorities to address the issue. The company’s shares fell by 9% on the New York Stock Exchange following the announcement.
The investigation is ongoing, and no official recalls have been issued by the CDC or other regulatory bodies. As health authorities work to determine the exact cause, the public is urged to remain vigilant about potential symptoms of E. coli infection, especially if they have recently consumed a Quarter Pounder sandwich.
