Washington: An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers has claimed one life and sickened 49 individuals across 10 western U.S. states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Tuesday. Colorado and Nebraska have reported the highest number of cases, with 10 people hospitalized, including one child suffering from hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure.
“One elderly person in Colorado has died,” the CDC confirmed in its statement. Investigations revealed that all affected individuals carried the same strain of E. coli and had eaten at McDonald’s prior to experiencing symptoms. Many specifically recalled consuming Quarter Pounders.
In response, McDonald’s has temporarily removed Quarter Pounders from restaurants in affected states and recalled slivered onions and beef patties, the two ingredients suspected of contamination. “Food safety is a top priority for us,” said Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA. “We’ve proactively removed slivered onions and suspended Quarter Pounder sales in select states.”
The CDC has advised consumers who develop symptoms of E. coli poisoning—such as severe diarrhea, high fever, or vomiting—after eating a Quarter Pounder to seek medical care immediately. Symptoms usually appear three to four days after exposure and most cases resolve within a week, though severe infections may require hospitalization.
McDonald’s shares dropped over six percent in after-hours trading following the CDC’s announcement. Despite the outbreak, other beef products and menu items remain available in most states unaffected by the investigation.
