The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert following a deadly outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. The outbreak has resulted in 49 confirmed cases across 10 states, including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The first case was reported on September 27, with the most recent case recorded on October 11. While E. coli bacteria are often harmless, some strains can cause severe symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. In this outbreak, one death has been reported in Colorado, and a child is currently hospitalized with severe kidney complications caused by E. coli-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
McDonald’s, in cooperation with the CDC, has removed slivered onions and beef patties used in Quarter Pounders from stores in the affected states. Investigators believe that the outbreak may be tied to slivered onions sourced from a single supplier servicing three distribution centers. However, it is unclear whether other ingredients are also involved. The CDC noted that determining whether an illness is part of an outbreak can take three to four weeks, and the true number of affected individuals may be higher.
In a statement, McDonald’s said, “We will continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are committed to providing timely updates as we restore our full menu.” The fast-food chain emphasized its priority is the health and safety of its customers. As a precautionary measure, McDonald’s has removed the Quarter Pounder from stores in the affected regions until the source of contamination is identified.
E. coli bacteria are found naturally in the intestines of humans and animals, but some strains can cause illness. The CDC advises that E. coli is commonly spread through the consumption of contaminated food such as ground beef, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. Symptoms typically appear three to four days after exposure but can manifest as early as one day and as late as a week.
While most adults recover from E. coli infections within a week, young children and older adults are at risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure.
This E. coli outbreak follows another major food recall involving Illinois-based manufacturer TreeHouse Foods. Last week, the company voluntarily recalled hundreds of frozen waffle products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affected multiple private-label brands, including Walmart’s Great Value, Target’s Good & Gather, and products from Food Lion, Kroger, and Schnucks.
TreeHouse Foods expanded the recall to include all griddle products manufactured at its Brantford, Ontario, Canada facility. No illnesses linked to Listeria have been reported, but consumers are urged to check their freezers for affected products and either discard them or return them for a refund.
The CDC urges the public to be vigilant about food safety. For the McDonald’s outbreak, customers in affected states are advised to avoid purchasing or consuming Quarter Pounders until further notice. In general, thoroughly cooking beef, avoiding unpasteurized dairy products, and practicing good hygiene can reduce the risk of contracting E. coli.