One individual has tragically died, and numerous others have fallen ill due to E. coli infections associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers across ten states, primarily in Colorado, where 26 cases have been reported, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
This E. coli outbreak, tied to one of McDonald’s most favored menu items, has resulted in 49 confirmed illnesses and has required hospitalization for 10 people, officials have indicated. The specific strain in question, E. coli O157:H7, is known to cause severe health complications and was responsible for a devastating outbreak in 1993 that claimed the lives of four children who consumed undercooked hamburgers at Jack in the Box restaurants.
Shares of the world’s largest fast-food chain experienced a decline of approximately 6% in after-hours trading. A livestock trader noted that the ongoing outbreak could also exert downward pressure on U.S. cattle futures on Wednesday, as it poses a threat to beef demand.
According to the CDC, every individual interviewed during the outbreak investigation reported dining at McDonald’s prior to showing symptoms of illness, with a majority specifically mentioning consumption of the Quarter Pounder hamburger. While the exact ingredient linked to the outbreak has yet to be identified, the CDC is currently investigating fresh, slivered onions and fresh beef patties. The majority of reported illnesses have occurred in Colorado and Nebraska.
McDonald’s North America Chief Supply Chain Officer, Cesar Piña, stated in a release, “Early findings from the investigation suggest that a portion of these illnesses may be associated with slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder, which are supplied by a single supplier catering to three distribution centers.”
McDonald’s has taken the precautionary step of removing slivered onions and beef patties from their Quarter Pounder hamburgers in the states affected, as the investigation is still ongoing, the company informed the CDC. Bill Marler, a food safety attorney in the U.S. who has represented victims of the Jack in the Box outbreak, warned that additional cases of illness could emerge. He pointed out that onions have previously been associated with E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks. According to Marler, co-founder of Marler Clark in Seattle, contamination of beef is less frequent due to enhanced food safety protocols. “It would require multiple restaurants to be improperly cooking the meat,” he explained.
As a result, McDonald’s has temporarily suspended the sale of Quarter Pounders in the impacted regions, which include Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming. The company stated that it is collaborating with suppliers to restore inventory within the next week. Symptoms of E. coli infection include intense stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. According to Colorado’s public health department, those infected typically begin to experience symptoms three to four days after consuming food or drink contaminated with the bacteria. However, the onset of illness might range from one to ten days post-exposure, the department noted.
In 2015, Chipotle’s sales and reputation suffered significantly due to E. coli outbreaks across several states. That incident was tied to a different strain of E. coli that usually results in less severe illness than E. coli O157:H7. The CDC reported that besides Colorado, small clusters of illness were also recorded in Nebraska, Utah, and Wyoming following the consumption of Quarter Pounders. Furthermore, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Montana each reported a single case of illness.
