The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert on Tuesday following an outbreak of E. coli that has been traced to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers.
At least 49 cases of illness have been reported across 10 states, with one death among an elderly individual.
Ten people have been hospitalized, including a child who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening complication associated with E. coli infections.
The majority of the cases have been recorded in Colorado and Nebraska.
According to the CDC, many of those who fell ill reported consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounder sandwiches.
The investigation, which is being conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has moved quickly.
Preliminary findings suggest that slivered onions used in the burgers are a likely source of contamination.
McDonald’s has proactively halted the use of both slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in certain states while the investigation is ongoing.
The CDC clarified that these beef patties are specifically used for the Quarter Pounder, while the slivered onions are primarily associated with that menu item.
In a statement, McDonald’s said, “The initial investigation findings linked the onions to ‘a single supplier that serves three distribution centers.’”
The fast-food chain also assured customers that they are working closely with suppliers to restore the supply of Quarter Pounders, though timelines may differ by location.
The company emphasized that other menu offerings, such as the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and Double Cheeseburger, remain unaffected and continue to be available.
The FDA has confirmed that McDonald’s has pulled slivered onions and quarter-pound patties from locations in several states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. In these regions, customers may find Quarter Pounders unavailable.
However, the CDC has warned that the outbreak could extend beyond these states.
E. coli infections can cause a range of symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms typically appear three to four days after exposure.
While most individuals recover within a week, some may experience serious complications, such as kidney damage, requiring medical intervention.
The CDC urges anyone who feels ill after consuming a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder to seek medical care and inform healthcare providers of what they ate.
In its response, McDonald’s reiterated that customer safety is its priority. “Serving customers safely in every single restaurant, each and every day, is our top priority,” the company stated, confirming that it is working closely with the CDC to aid the ongoing investigation.
The news of the outbreak caused McDonald’s stock price to plunge significantly during after-hours trading.
