McDonald’s Quarter Pounders Linked to E. Coli Outbreak After 1 Dead and 10 Hospitalized

McDonald’s is recalling ingredients from its Quarter Pounder in some states after an E. coli outbreak was linked to the popular burger.

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it was investigating 49 illnesses linked to the staple food after one person died and 10 were hospitalized.

Along with the FDA, USDA FSIS and other public health officials, the CDC is investigating McDonald’s locations in 10 states, the organization said in a news release about the “expedited investigation of the outbreak.” Most of the illnesses have been reported in Colorado and Nebraska, and a full map of where cases have occurred is available here.

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The first of the 49 known cases was recorded on September 27, and the latest was documented on October 11. But the CDC notes that “the true number of people affected in this outbreak is also likely much higher than the number reported. ”

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McDonald’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, Cesar Piña, shared an internal message on the brand’s newsroom page. He says the company is “taking swift and decisive action following” the outbreak.

“The first findings from the investigation indicate that a subset of the illness may be linked to the sliced ​​onions used in the Quarter Pounder and coming from a single supplier serving three distribution centers,” Piña said.

The fast-food chain is cooperating with the CDC’s investigation, and Piña said “all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply and we have paused distribution of all chopped onions in the affected area.”

In some states, the Quarter Pounder has been temporarily removed from the menu.

“We take food safety extremely seriously and it’s the right thing to do,” Piña said.

“All other menu items, including other beef products (including Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and Double Cheeseburger) are unchanged and available,” he added in part. “We will continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are committed to providing timely updates as we rebuild our full menu.”

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The CDC warns that symptoms of severe E. coli include diarrhea and a temperature higher than 102°. Other symptoms include “vomiting so much you can’t keep fluids down” and signs of dehydration such as lack of urination, dry mouth or dry throat.

Symptoms usually begin three to four days after consuming the contaminated product, the organization notes. Most people recover without treatment after five days to a week.

If you experience any of the above symptoms after eating a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, the CDC recommends contacting your doctor.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education