An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has resulted in one death and ten hospitalizations, according to a statement released Tuesday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A total of 49 cases have been reported across 10 states, with the majority occurring in Colorado and Nebraska. The cases date from September 27 to October 11.
The CDC is still investigating which specific ingredient in the Quarter Pounders may have been contaminated with E. coli. In response, McDonald’s has temporarily stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in certain states. The CDC clarified that quarter-pound beef patties are only used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, and fresh slivered onions are mainly used in those burgers but not in other menu items. Most people affected by the outbreak reported eating Quarter Pounders, and current speculation suggests that onions may be the source of contamination.
Among those affected by the outbreak, one individual has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. The person who died, an older adult from Colorado, did not develop this syndrome. E. coli infections typically cause symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, which appear about 3-4 days after exposure.
Although the illnesses reported so far occurred between September 27 and October 11, more cases are expected to surface as it can take several weeks to confirm if additional patients are linked to the outbreak. The CDC also believes the number of cases may be underreported since many individuals recover without seeking medical attention and are not tested for E. coli.
The CDC provided data showing the timeline of reported illnesses and a map indicating the geographic distribution of cases. States affected include Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Oregon, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
The demographic breakdown of the outbreak shows that those affected range in age from 13 to 88, with a median age of 26. Men account for 63% of the cases, and women 37%. Racial data from the outbreak indicates that 93% of those infected are white, while 7% are Black.
When reached for comment, McDonald’s referred to a written statement and a YouTube video with additional details not included in the CDC report. According to McDonald’s, the slivered onions in question were supplied by a single vendor serving three distribution centers. McDonald’s emphasized its commitment to food safety and clarified that other beef products, such as the cheeseburger, hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and double cheeseburger, remain unaffected and are still being sold, although Quarter Pounders have been removed from some markets.
This outbreak comes amid a series of troubling food recalls in the U.S., including a recall of 10 million pounds of meat and poultry by BrucePAC over listeria concerns, as well as a Boar’s Head recall following a listeria outbreak that resulted in 10 deaths. Additionally, a recent recall of frozen waffles over listeria fears was expanded last week to include pancakes and other toaster products.
Following the CDC’s announcement, McDonald’s stock dropped by 9% in after-hours trading, according to CNBC.
