E. Coli Outbreak: McDonald’s Quarter Pounders Linked to Hospitalizations

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A recent outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has resulted in at least 10 hospitalizations across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC reported that 49 individuals from 10 states have fallen ill due to a strain of the bacteria known as E. coli O157:H7, which can lead to severe intestinal infections. The majority of cases have been reported in Colorado, with 27 cases, and Nebraska, with nine.

One child has experienced complications from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition affecting the kidneys, and a fatality involving an older individual has also been confirmed in Colorado. Investigations revealed that every patient interviewed had recently consumed food from McDonald’s, with most specifically mentioning Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

CDC scientists are currently investigating two ingredients as potential sources of contamination: fresh slivered onions and fresh beef patties. McDonald’s has preemptively removed these ingredients from its restaurants in the affected regions, temporarily halting the sale of Quarter Pounders in those areas.

Cesar Piña, Chief Supply Chain Officer for McDonald’s North America, stated that the outbreak appears to stem from slivered onions from a single supplier serving three distribution centers. Consequently, the chain has instructed local restaurants to eliminate this product from their inventory and pause its distribution in the impacted areas.

Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, emphasized that this decision was made in close collaboration with the CDC, stressing that most menu items and states remain unaffected.

As for E. coli symptoms, they typically manifest three to four days post-exposure and can include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. While most individuals recover without hospitalization within five to seven days, some cases can develop into HUS, necessitating medical attention. The CDC advises anyone experiencing severe symptoms after consuming a Quarter Pounder to seek medical assistance right away.

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