At least one person has died, and dozens more have fallen ill due to an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has affected 49 people across 10 states, with more than half of the cases originating in Colorado.
An older adult in Colorado has died as a result of the illness, and 10 individuals have been hospitalized. The CDC reported that all interviewed patients had eaten at McDonald’s prior to their illness, with most specifically mentioning the Quarter Pounder.
Investigators have yet to determine the exact ingredient responsible for the contamination but have narrowed it down to either the slivered onions or the beef patties used in the Quarter Pounder. As a precaution, McDonald’s has removed both ingredients from restaurants in affected states. This may cause temporary unavailability of Quarter Pounders in some regions.
McDonald’s has confirmed that the onions and beef patties in question are exclusive to the Quarter Pounder and are not used in other menu items.
The states with confirmed cases of E. coli include:
• Colorado: 26 people
• Nebraska: 9 people
• Utah: 4 people
• Wyoming: 4 people
• Iowa: 1 person
• Kansas: 1 person
• Missouri: 1 person
• Montana: 1 person
• Oregon: 1 person
• Wisconsin: 1 person
Health officials are continuing to investigate the outbreak, and customers in affected areas are encouraged to remain cautious. McDonald’s has stated they are working closely with health authorities to ensure the safety of their products. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
