McDonald's E. coli Outbreak: What You Need to Know
McDonald’s has temporarily pulled Quarter Pounders and fresh onions from the menu at nearly 20% of its U.S. locations following a deadly E. coli outbreak.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 49 people across 10 states have fallen ill from the bacteria, with 10 requiring hospitalization. Tragically, one individual has died as a result. The CDC reports that most cases have been concentrated in states in the Midwest and West.
Health officials are still working to identify the exact source of the outbreak, and several food companies, including McDonald’s, have halted the use of onions as a precaution.
The Scale of the Outbreak
The CDC reports that the outbreak has primarily affected Colorado and Nebraska, with 26 of the cases emerging in Colorado. The one confirmed death was an elderly individual from the state. A child also remains in the hospital due to a severe condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure.
The first case linked to the outbreak was identified on September 27. However, McDonald’s was only informed of the issue by authorities last week. At least a dozen of the affected individuals reported eating a Quarter Pounder before becoming sick.
McDonald’s decision to temporarily remove Quarter Pounders and onions has impacted restaurants in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Other menu items have not been affected.
In addition, Burger King announced that it had discarded onions at 5% of its restaurants, even though no illnesses have been reported at those locations.
Potential Source of Contamination
Investigators are focusing on onions, which are a common ingredient in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, as the likely source of contamination. However, they have not ruled out the possibility that the beef patties themselves may be involved.
McDonald’s stated that its burgers are cooked to an internal temperature of 175°F, which is above the 160°F required to kill E. coli bacteria. This has led officials to believe the issue lies elsewhere in the supply chain rather than in food preparation at individual stores. While the affected restaurants sourced their beef from different suppliers, they all used onions from a single vendor, Taylor Farms.
Taylor Farms, a major vegetable processor, has voluntarily recalled certain batches of onions despite testing that found no evidence of E. coli. Other food chains, such as Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, have followed suit by removing onions from select U.S. locations.
What Is E. coli and How Does It Affect People?
E. coli refers to a group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Although most strains are harmless, certain types produce toxins that cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and fever. In serious cases, infections can lead to kidney failure, particularly in young children and the elderly.
Symptoms typically appear between three to nine days after consuming contaminated food.
Impact on McDonald’s
News of the outbreak caused McDonald’s stock to drop by 7% on Wednesday, though the company has since regained some of its losses. The company is optimistic that it has resolved the issue and aims to have Quarter Pounders back on menus within weeks in affected regions.
McDonald’s was already grappling with challenges before the outbreak, as rising costs and changes in consumer spending patterns have forced fast food chains to rely on promotions to draw customers.
First Lawsuit Filed
In the first lawsuit related to the outbreak, a Colorado man, Eric Stelly, claims he contracted E. coli after eating at a McDonald’s in Greeley. Stelly, who sought emergency medical treatment, tested positive for the bacteria, and health officials have linked his case to the larger outbreak.
His attorney, Ron Simon, said in a statement that they intend to ensure McDonald’s and its suppliers address the contamination issues and fully compensate all victims. The lawsuit was filed in Chicago, where McDonald’s is headquartered.
As investigations continue, both the company and federal agencies are working to prevent further spread of the outbreak.
