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1 dead and 10 hospitalized as E. coli outbreak linked to one of McDonalds most popular items
One person has died and 10 have been hospitalized following a reported outbreak of E.coli linked to one of the most popular McDonald’s items, the Quarter Pounder.
McDonald’s is perhaps the most popular fast food option in America with 13,449 restaurants in the United States and 36,500 restaurants in more than 100 countries.
Infections were reported in 10 US states
Just a week after McDonald’s was crowned with the best french fries in America, the fast food joint is in the news once again.
From September 27 to October 11, infections of E.coli were reported in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Colorado was hit particularly hard, with 27 of the 49 reported cases, an older person who died, and a child who experienced serious kidney complications.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the number of cases is probably a lot higher than initially expected because it takes three to four weeks to understand whether a person’s illness is part of an outbreak.
Investigators think they’ve found the McDonald’s culprit
Currently, investigators are working to understand the common denominator across the national incident as everyone who caught E.coli reported eating a Quarter Pounder at McDonald’s. They believe that onions or beef could be the contaminated ingredient.
McDonald’s is working with the CDC on the case and they have already removed the slivered onions and beef patties used for Quarter Pounders. For that reason, you may find that your favorite McDonald’s meals are unavailable for a time.
“As a result, and in line with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply and we have paused the distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area,” McDonald’s North America Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Pi�a said. “We take food safety extremely seriously and its the right thing to do. Impacted restaurants are receiving a stock recovery notice today and should reach out to their field supply chain manager or distribution center with any questions.”
E. coli are bacteria that are predominantly found in the guts of cattle, goats, sheep, and deer, and while most are harmless, a few can impose gastrointestinal issues. Reported symptoms include diarrhea, a fever above 102 F, persistent vomiting, and dehydration.
