McDonald's E. coli Scare: A Closer Look at the Onion Outbreak

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced an E. coli outbreak connected to McDonald's Quarter Pounders. As of now, 49 people have fallen ill across 10 states, with one tragic death reported. Among the affected, ten were hospitalized, including a child who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication from E. coli infection. Most cases were reported in Colorado and Nebraska. The CDC believes the source of contamination is the slivered onions used in Quarter Pounders. McDonald’s has stopped using these onions and the quarter-pound beef patties in several states while the investigation continues. The beef patties are specific to Quarter Pounders, and the onions are mainly used for that sandwich. McDonald’s has traced the onions back to a single supplier serving three distribution centers. They are working on replenishing the supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, other menu items using beef remain available. The FDA reports that McDonald’s has removed the implicated onions and patties from stores in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. However, the CDC suggests the outbreak could extend beyond these states. E. coli infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting, usually appearing three to four days after ingestion. Most people recover within a week, but complications can lead to serious kidney issues and hospitalization. The CDC advises anyone who becomes ill after eating a Quarter Pounder to seek medical attention and inform their provider about the meal. McDonald’s is committed to customer safety, stating that their priority is serving customers safely every day and cooperating with the CDC investigation. The outbreak has taken a toll on McDonald’s stock, which saw a significant drop in after-hours trading following the news.