At least 49 individuals across 10 states have fallen ill due to E. coli food poisoning linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, according to federal health authorities. Tragically, one of the infected individuals succumbed to the illness, and ten others have been hospitalized, as reported on Tuesday.
The reported fatality occurred in an older adult in Colorado, while one child is experiencing serious kidney issues due to the infection, as highlighted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infections have been documented from September 27 to October 11 in states including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Wisconsin, with Colorado seeing the highest number of cases at 27, followed by Nebraska with nine cases.
Individuals who participated in interviews related to this outbreak all noted that they had eaten at McDonald’s before becoming ill, with many specifically recalling consumption of Quarter Pounder hamburgers, according to the CDC. Federal and state health officials, including the U.S. Agriculture Department and the Food and Drug Administration, are conducting investigations into the situation.
While investigators have not yet pinpointed the particular ingredient responsible for the outbreak, their focus has narrowed to onions and beef. In response, McDonald’s has informed the CDC that it has removed slivered onions and beef patties designated for Quarter Pounders from restaurants in the affected regions. As a consequence, these hamburgers may be temporarily unavailable in those specific areas.
E. coli bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of animals and can also be present in the environment. Infections can provoke serious health issues, which may include fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea. Individuals experiencing symptoms related to E. coli poisoning are advised to seek medical assistance promptly and inform the healthcare provider about their recent food intake.
This alarming news presents yet another challenge for the Chicago-based fast-food giant, which has faced difficulties this year. In the second quarter, its global same-store sales saw their first decline in nearly four years, as budget-conscious consumers opted to dine in or select cheaper alternatives. In response, McDonald’s launched a $5 meal deal at U.S. locations in late June, which has been extended through December, although it does not cover the Quarter Pounder.
Following the CDC’s announcement, McDonald’s stock experienced a 9% decline in after-hours trading on Tuesday. The strain of E. coli implicated in this outbreak, known as E. coli O157:H7, is responsible for around 74,000 infections annually in the U.S., leading to over 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 fatalities. This strain poses significant risks, especially for children under the age of five, as it can result in acute kidney failure.
