A McDonald’s sandwich has been linked to a serious E. coli outbreak in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bacteria, which can cause severe stomach issues, was found in Quarter Pounder sandwiches, the CDC revealed on Tuesday.
So far, 49 cases have been reported across 10 states, with 10 hospitalizations and one fatality. Most cases occurred in western and midwestern states. The fast-food chain is working with investigators to identify the contaminated ingredient, with slivered onions being a likely culprit.
McDonald’s has since pulled the affected ingredients in several states, including fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties. However, the specific source of contamination is still under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The outbreak, first recorded on September 27, has affected people aged 13 to 88. One patient developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, and an elderly Colorado resident died after consuming a contaminated burger.
McDonald’s shares dropped by 9% on the New York Stock Exchange following the news. In a statement, the company said it is removing slivered onions from its supply chain and temporarily pulling the Quarter Pounder from menus in several states. Other beef items remain available, and McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger reassured customers that the company takes food safety very seriously.
E. coli infections often cause symptoms like severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever, which can appear a few days after exposure. This is not the first time McDonald’s has faced such an issue. In 2022, a similar outbreak occurred in Alabama, where six children fell ill after eating chicken McNuggets.
