WASHINGTON – Federal health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli food poisoning linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers that has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states, resulting in one death and 10 hospitalizations, the CDC reported Tuesday.
The death occurred in an elderly person from Colorado, where 27 cases have been reported. A child has been hospitalized with severe kidney complications, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. Infections were reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11 across 10 states, with Nebraska following Colorado with nine cases.
All those affected had reportedly eaten at McDonald’s before falling ill, with most citing consumption of Quarter Pounder hamburgers, according to the CDC. The investigation, which involves the U.S. Agriculture Department and the Food and Drug Administration, is focusing on onions and beef as potential sources of the contamination. McDonald’s has since removed slivered onions and beef patties used for Quarter Pounders from affected stores.
The CDC urges anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, stomach cramps, or diarrhea to seek medical attention and inform their provider about recent meals. The specific strain identified, E. coli O157:H7, is known to cause around 74,000 infections annually in the U.S., leading to over 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths, particularly posing a severe risk to young children under five.
McDonald’s shares dropped 9% in after-hours trading following the announcement.
This outbreak adds to a difficult year for McDonald’s, which has seen its global same-store sales decline for the first time in nearly four years amid inflationary pressures.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: