A recent outbreak of E. coli food poisoning has affected at least 104 individuals, with 34 requiring hospitalization, related to onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, as reported by federal health officials on Wednesday.
Cases have emerged across 14 states, as updated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tragically, one individual has died in Colorado, and four have developed serious kidney complications that could be life-threatening.
The distribution of reported cases shows that Colorado has experienced at least 30 infections, while Montana follows with 19, Nebraska with 13, New Mexico with 10, Missouri and Utah with eight each, and Wyoming with six. Additionally, there were three cases in Kansas, two in Michigan, and one in each of the following states: Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Illnesses linked to this outbreak were recorded between September 12 and October 21. Notably, at least seven of those infected stated that they had consumed McDonald’s food while traveling.
The CDC indicated that slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders are the probable cause of the outbreak. In response, Taylor Farms, a produce supplier based in California, has initiated a recall of onions possibly associated with the incident. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted tests that detected a strain of E. coli producing a dangerous toxin in one sample of the onions; however, this strain did not match the one responsible for the reported illnesses.
In the wake of the outbreak, McDonald’s removed Quarter Pounders from menus in several states early on. The onions that were served at these establishments have since exceeded their shelf life and are no longer available for purchase. CDC officials have reassured the public that the current risk remains minimal.
According to the CDC, the type of E. coli linked to this incident results in approximately 74,000 infections annually in the U.S., leading to over 2,000 hospitalizations and around 61 fatalities each year.
Symptoms of E. coli infection typically manifest quickly, usually within one to two days after consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea (which can be bloody), and signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, increased thirst, and dizziness. Serious kidney injury can occur, particularly in children under the age of five. Prompt medical attention is essential for E. coli poisoning in young children.