On October 23, 2024, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert regarding an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder. As of now, at least 49 cases of illness, including one elderly person who died, have been reported in 10 states.
Most cases have occurred in Colorado and Nebraska. Ten individuals have been hospitalized, including a child with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication caused by E. coli infection.
McDonald’s stock price dropped by approximately 6% on the day of the announcement.
According to the CDC, all individuals under investigation reported dining at McDonald’s before falling ill, with the majority mentioning consuming a Quarter Pounder.
The specific ingredient responsible for the illness has not been confirmed yet, but investigators are focusing on the fresh onions and beef patties in the Quarter Pounder.
Cesar Pina, McDonald’s North America Chief Supply Chain Officer, stated in a release that providing safe service to customers at every restaurant in the McDonald’s system daily is their top priority and something they will never compromise on.
“That is why we have taken swift and decisive action following E. coli outbreaks in certain states. Preliminary investigation results suggest that some cases may be related to the use of onion strips in the Quarter Pounder. These onion strips are supplied by a vendor who services three distribution centers,” Pina said.
McDonald’s informed the CDC that they have proactively removed the onions and beef patties used to make the Quarter Pounder from stores in affected states while the investigation is ongoing.
As a precautionary measure, the company will temporarily suspend the sale of the Quarter Pounder in certain areas, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and parts of Oklahoma.
“We take food safety extremely seriously, and this is the right thing to do,” the statement read.
Individuals infected with E. coli may experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin three to four days after ingesting the bacteria. While most patients recover without treatment within a week, some may develop severe kidney issues requiring hospitalization.
(This article contains references from Reuters and CNN reports.)