Federal health officials reported on Tuesday that an outbreak of E. coli food poisoning associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has affected at least 49 individuals across ten states. Tragically, one person has died, and ten others have been hospitalized due to the illness.
The sole fatality was an older adult from Colorado, where 26 of the cases have been identified. A child from the state is currently hospitalized with severe kidney complications, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The infections were confirmed to have occurred between September 27 and October 11, spanning multiple states including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Nebraska follows Colorado with nine reported cases.
Interviews with those affected revealed that all had eaten at McDonald’s prior to their illness, with many mentioning the Quarter Pounder as their meal of choice. Both the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with state health officials, are actively investigating the outbreak.
While a specific source of contamination has yet to be pinpointed, authorities are examining the possibility that either onions or beef may be involved. A preliminary investigation by the FDA indicates that the slivered onions used on the burgers are a probable source of the contamination, while the USDA is focusing on the hamburger patties themselves.
In response to the investigation, McDonald’s has released a statement indicating that initial results suggest that the illnesses are linked to onions from a single supplier. The company has ceased distribution of the slivered onions and temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in the affected states, including parts of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. “We take food safety extremely seriously and it’s the right thing to do,” the statement emphasized.
It’s important to note that E. coli bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of animals and can also exist in the environment. Infections caused by E. coli can lead to severe symptoms such as fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea. Anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming potentially contaminated food should seek medical attention promptly and inform their healthcare provider about their recent meals.
This outbreak comes at a challenging time for McDonald’s, which has already faced difficulties this year. The fast-food chain’s global same-store sales fell for the first time in nearly four years in the second quarter, as customers facing inflation opted to dine out less frequently or choose more affordable options. In response, the company introduced a $5 meal deal in late June, which has been extended through December but does not include the Quarter Pounder.
Following the CDC’s announcement, McDonald’s shares dropped 9% in after-hours trading. The strain of E. coli implicated in this outbreak, O157:H7, causes approximately 74,000 infections annually in the U.S., resulting in over 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths. This type of infection poses a significant risk, particularly for children under five, as it can lead to acute kidney failure.
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Dee-Ann Durbin from the Associated Press in Detroit contributed to this report.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The content is solely the responsibility of AP.
