McDonald’s Quarter Pounder E. coli Outbreak: The E. coli outbreak connected to McDonald’s popular Quarter Pounder burger has intensified, with cases now reported in 13 states. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed on Friday that a total of 75 people have been affected, with 22 hospitalised and one death reported in Colorado. The outbreak, which appears to be linked to the slivered onions used in the burgers, has prompted McDonald’s to take immediate action by pulling the product in impacted regions and recalling onions from Taylor Farms, the supplier under investigation.
Outbreak Overview and Affected Regions
Cases have surged, particularly in Colorado and Montana, with other states including Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, and Washington also impacted. The CDC states that the timeline for reported illnesses ranges from September 27 to October 10, though the actual numbers may be higher due to unreported cases. Health authorities warn that the number could increase as investigations continue.
McDonald’s Swift Response to Minimise Risk
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s has temporarily pulled Quarter Pounders and slivered onions from stores in affected states. They emphasised a commitment to customer safety, stating, “The health and safety of our customers remain our top priority.” Taylor Farms, the supplier of these onions, has voluntarily recalled raw onions, and McDonald’s has ceased sourcing from the company’s Colorado Springs facility indefinitely.
Investigation into the Source of E. coli
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is coordinating with the CDC and state health officials to trace the source of contamination. Preliminary findings indicate that raw slivered onions from Taylor Farms may be the likely cause, as similar outbreaks have involved onions in the past. The FDA and McDonald’s continue testing both onion and beef samples to confirm the origin of the E. coli strain, known for its severe complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure.
Public Health Warning and McDonald’s Commitment to Quality
Health officials encourage anyone who has recently eaten a quarter-pound and developed symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea, to seek medical attention promptly. McDonald’s assures the public that proactive steps have been taken to limit exposure, saying, “We have removed slivered onions from restaurants in the impacted regions and are working closely with health authorities to ensure all necessary precautions are in place.”
As McDonald’s collaborates with health agencies to mitigate the situation, customers are urged to stay informed and monitor any potential symptoms after consuming the Quarter Pounder. The fast-food giant reassures diners that they are fully committed to maintaining food safety standards and customer trust.
