A widespread E. coli outbreak has been linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, according to a food safety alert from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
So far, 49 people across 10 states have reported infections, with Colorado and Nebraska being the most affected. Of the reported cases, 10 people were hospitalized, and one death has been confirmed.
McDonald’s is cooperating with various health agencies, including the CDC, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), to identify the source of the outbreak. As a precaution, some McDonald’s locations have temporarily stopped serving Quarter Pounders with beef patties and slivered onions until further investigation.
E. coli, short for Escherichia coli, is a bacteria commonly found in the environment, food, and the intestines of people and animals. Most strains are harmless and are part of the body’s natural digestive flora. However, certain strains, such as E. coli O157, can cause severe illness and, in some cases, death.
Dr. Harry Kopolovich, chairman of emergency medicine at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, explained that while E. coli is usually harmless, certain subtypes can be dangerous, especially when spread through poor hygiene or improperly cooked food.
E. coli outbreaks in food are often linked to meat or poultry, which may become contaminated during the production process. According to Dr. Marc Siegel of NYU Langone Medical Center, bacteria can spread if the meat is not cooked thoroughly or if contaminated vegetables, such as the onions used in burgers, are not properly handled.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection can include:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Respiratory illness
- Urinary tract infections
- Pneumonia
Most people recover from the infection within a week without specific treatment. However, in severe cases, the infection can lead to complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that may result in kidney failure. Children are especially vulnerable, with up to 20% of infected children at risk of developing HUS.
Symptoms of HUS include extreme fatigue, reduced urination, and a pale complexion. If diarrhea persists for more than three days or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain, the CDC advises seeking medical attention.
To avoid E. coli infections, experts recommend practicing good hygiene, thoroughly washing hands and food preparation surfaces, and ensuring food is cooked to the appropriate temperature. McDonald’s, in response to the outbreak, is working to trace the contamination to a specific ingredient, with early reports suggesting that slivered onions may be the source of the illness.
Cesar Piña, McDonald’s North America chief supply chain officer, has stated that the company is taking “swift and decisive action” and remains committed to addressing the issue alongside health authorities.
FOX Business contributed to this report.
