US health authorities revealed that the number of E. coli cases linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers rose to 75 across 13 US states. Health officials warned that the true number of illnesses could be even higher. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had previously reported 49 cases, resulting in one death and ten hospitalizations.
E. coli, a bacteria often found in intestines, can lead to severe illnesses, including diarrhea and urinary tract infections. As of the latest update, out of 61 individuals with available information, 22 have been hospitalized, and 2 have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure.
Public health officials interviewed 42 affected individuals, all of whom had eaten at McDonald's within the week preceding their illness, with 39 confirming they consumed a beef hamburger. Among the 36 who could recall the specific hamburger eaten, 31 reported consuming the Quarter Pounder. Health officials stated, "The actual number of sick individuals is likely much higher, and the outbreak may extend beyond the states with reported cases." Furthermore, the FDA announced that McDonald's locations in various states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, have paused the use of slivered onions and beef patties related to the Quarter Pounder.
Currently, the FDA has not identified any affected products outside the US. In light of this investigation, Taylor Farms, which supplies slivered onions to the affected McDonald's locations, has also issued a recall for yellow onions sold to other food service customers. As the investigation develops, availability of the Quarter Pounder burger will be limited in several states.
The CDC noted, "Due to the actions taken by both companies, we believe the public's risk is very low." On Friday, McDonald's shares fell by 2.3%. The fast-food giant declined to provide any commentary on the situation, and Taylor Farms did not respond to requests for clarification. McDonald's Chief Supply Chain Officer, Cesar Pina, previously stated, "Initial findings suggest that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder, sourced from a single supplier serving three distribution centers." In keeping with safety protocols, local restaurants were instructed to remove the affected product from their supply, halting the distribution of slivered onions in critical areas. McDonald's is expected to release its third-quarter financial results soon, raising investor concerns amidst the ongoing outbreak..