Federal health officials confirmed on Tuesday that nearly 50 people across 10 states have fallen ill due to a strain of E. coli linked to the popular Quarter Pounder hamburgers sold by McDonald’s, and there is one death reported as well. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pointed out that most of the people who got sick consumed Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s prior to their illnesses, and food safety regulators are in the process of identifying the exact source of the contamination.
E. Coli Outbreak: 49 cases reported across multiple states
As many as 49 cases of E. coli have been logged to date with most sicknesses centred in the states of Colorado and Nebraska. Colorado recorded the highest incident rate of E. coli cases where 26 people got sick including an elderly person who sadly succumbed to the infection. In Central part of the Country, there have been nine cases in Nebraska. And also, four cases each have been recorded in Utah and Wyoming, while the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon and Wisconsin have also not been spared.
Of the 10 cases reported as at least requiring hospitalization, one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition related to kidney failure. The CDC further elaborated that the deceased and the individual who developed HUS are two different individuals.
Investigators suspect slivered onions as a potential source
As the CDC and other health officials continue to investigate, early findings suggest that slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder may be a potential source of the contamination. These onions are supplied by a single distributor that serves three distribution centers.
Cesar Piña, the North America Chief Supply Chain Officer for McDonald’s, said in a statement, “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 Response: Removing quarter pounders from affected areas
Concerning the pandemic situation, McDonald’s has reacted to the situation by taking the Quarter Pounder out of its restaurants in areas adversely affected. These regions include Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, southern Idaho, Iowa, parts of Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, as well as New Mexico, and some areas of Oklahoma. With regard to the state of the situation, McDonald’s is actively working together with public health agencies on both federal and state levels.
In order to minimize the risk further, McDonald’s has temporarily stopped the use of fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in a number of the states. The CDC explains that the Quarter Pounder beef patties are included solely for the use in the hamburger of that name, while fresh slivered onions are supplied for use on that product only, not any other offerings.
Health risks and symptoms of E. Coli infection
As the E. coli outbreak investigation proceeds, health official cautions that it can take weeks before it is determined if an afflicted individual is part of an outbreak. The virulent strain of E. coli produces a biological toxin which is responsible for a range of diseases that are characterized by severe painful abdominal regions, watery stools, and the expulsion of stomach contents. The majority of the infected persons get better without any form of medical intervention within five to seven days.
They are especially worried about the consumers of McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, who express extreme symptoms, urging them to seek treatment. Some of these symptoms are:
- Diarrhea accompanied by a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting that prevents the consumption of liquids
- Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, a dry mouth and throat, and dizziness upon standing
McDonald’s stock drops amid outbreak
The impact of the E. coli outbreak has not only affected consumers but also McDonald’s financial standing. Shares of the fast-food giant fell sharply in after-hours trading, with the company’s stock price dropping by 7% as news of the outbreak spread.
Previous foodborne illness outbreaks at McDonald’s
This is not the first time McDonald’s has been linked to a foodborne illness outbreak. In 2018, more than 500 people across multiple states fell ill after consuming salads from McDonald’s. That outbreak was also tied to intestinal illnesses, underscoring the challenges fast-food chains face in ensuring food safety on a large scale.
What to expect moving forward
By now, the assessment is ongoing and McDonald’s has taken measures as a safeguard against risk of further contamination and danger to the consumers. Still, the matter is dynamic, and it is under the close supervision of health authorities. Take precautions for the consumers in the regions affected and advise them to seek medical assistance in case of any medical complications related to E. coli infection after eating a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder.
For now, McDonald’s is no longer offering Quarter Pounders in the affected areas while continues to work with federal health officials on identifying the source of the contamination in efforts to avoid additional cases of illness.
