McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers are currently linked to an E. coli outbreak that has affected nearly 50 people across 10 states, resulting in one death. Most affected individuals reported consuming Quarter Pounders from McDonald’s, prompting investigators to identify the contaminated food ingredient. The outbreak has resulted in 49 reported cases, with the majority of illnesses occurring in Colorado and Nebraska. At least 10 people have been hospitalized, and the illnesses began at the end of September with the most recent incident occurring on Oct. 11. One person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure.
Investigations suggest that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder that were sourced by a single supplier serving three distribution centers. As a response, McDonald’s has removed the Quarter Pounder from its restaurants in the affected areas, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as portions of other states. The company is cooperating with federal and state public health officials and has stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in various states where the product will be temporarily unavailable. Health officials have highlighted that quarter pound beef patties are exclusively used in Quarter Pounders, and fresh slivered onions are primarily utilized in Quarter Pounder hamburgers and not in other menu items.
It typically takes three to four weeks to confirm whether a sick person is part of an outbreak. Most individuals infected with the toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, with most recovering within five to seven days without treatment. People who have consumed a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and are experiencing severe E. coli symptoms are advised to contact their healthcare provider. These symptoms may include diarrhea and a fever exceeding 102°F, diarrhea persisting for over three days without improvement, bloody diarrhea, or excessive vomiting leading to difficulty in keeping fluids down. Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, dry mouth, feeling dizzy when standing up, should also be monitored.
Following news of the E. coli outbreak linked to Quarter Pounders, shares of McDonald’s dropped significantly in after-hours trading, with the stock down by 7%. This is not the first time an outbreak has been associated with McDonald’s. In 2018, an outbreak of intestinal illness was connected to salads from McDonald’s, affecting more than 500 individuals in over a dozen states. The company has reiterated its commitment to cooperation with health authorities to address and resolve the current situation.
In conclusion, the E. coli outbreak related to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers underscores the importance of food safety and monitoring for potential contamination. Public health officials continue to investigate the source of the outbreak to prevent further illnesses. Consumers are urged to be vigilant and seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms of E. coli infection after consuming contaminated food products. McDonald’s has taken swift action in response to the outbreak, temporarily removing the Quarter Pounder from certain regions and working to ensure the safety of its products moving forward.
