On October 22, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a notice about the recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder. The report details the investigation and instructs individuals on what to do if they notice symptoms of E. coli. The investigation is still ongoing to identify the exact ingredient causing the E. coli outbreak. Moreover, McDonald’s has discontinued the hamburger (Quarter Pounder) in light of the recent incidents.
CDC reports McDonald’s has pulled hamburgers in some states amid ongoing investigation
According to the CDC, about 49 people have contracted E. coli across 10 different states after consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. One individual has passed away and 10 more have been admitted to the hospital. The Colorado man who died after suffering from E. coli symptoms was reported to be a senior citizen. One of the hospitalized individuals also developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication that can lead to kidney failure.
The cases were reported as early as September 27. States of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming have reported people with E. coli symptoms. Of all the states, Colorado has the maximum number of cases, with 26 individuals being diagnosed with the disease. However, the CDC noted that the reported number of cases might be much lesser than the true number of people sickened by E. coli, as many recover without any medical assistance. This also means the disease might not be limited to the 10 states mentioned in the notice.
An investigation is underway, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspecting onions to be the cause of the E. coli outbreak based on initial reports. However, investigations of the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers are still ongoing. Officials aim to figure out the exact ingredient that has been contaminated with E. coli. The fast food chain has stopped using slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties across several states to contain the E. coli outbreak. Both ingredients are unique to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, so it shouldn’t impact other menu items.
