McDonald’s E. coli outbreak sickens 49, kills 1, CDC says. Where are the cases?
UPDATE: This story has been updated to include statements from McDonald’s North America chief supply chain officer, Cesar Piña.
An investigation into infections of E. coli found dozens of people across 10 states were sickened after consuming a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburger, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Oct. 22.
Cases have been reported in Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin, according to the CDC.
A total of 49 cases were reported, with the majority occurring in Colorado and Nebraska.
One person has died, and a child has been hospitalized as part of the outbreak, KDVR reported.
“The initial findings from the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers,” McDonald’s North America chief supply chain officer, Cesar Piña, said in an Oct. 22 statement shared by the company.
The first case was reported Sept. 27, and cases continued to spread until the last case was reported Oct. 11, according to the CDC.
“McDonald’s reported to CDC that it has stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter pounder beef patties in several states,” the CDC said, but the agency is still working to confirm which ingredient is the source of the infections.
The quarter-pound beef patties are used exclusively for Quarter Pounders, the CDC said, and the slivered onions are primarily used on the popular menu item.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are also temporarily removing the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in the impacted area, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma,” Piña said. “We take food safety extremely seriously and it’s the right thing to do. Impacted restaurants are receiving a stock recovery notice today and should reach out to their field supply chain manager or distribution center with any questions.”
E. coli is a bacteria that is found naturally in the environment, and even in the intestines of people and animals. However, some E. coli can produce the Shiga toxin which can lead to serious illnesses and death, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of a bad E. coli infection can start with stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, and typically appear three to four days after consuming the infected product, the CDC says.
If you have consumed a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and experience a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea for more than three days without improvement, bloody diarrhea, continuous vomiting or signs of dehydration, you are encouraged to contact your health care provider and seek medical attention.
This story was originally published October 22, 2024 at 5:42 PM with the headline "McDonald’s E. coli outbreak sickens 49, kills 1, CDC says. Where are the cases?."
