E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders: 49 Affected, 1 Death Reported
A recent E. coli outbreak has been traced back to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers, resulting in at least 49 illnesses and one death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The infections span across 10 states, with the highest numbers reported in Colorado and Nebraska. Since the first case emerged in late September, 10 individuals have been hospitalized.
Potential Cause: Contaminated Onions
McDonald’s stated that a portion of the E. coli cases could be connected to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounders. These onions were sourced from a single supplier that distributes to three regional centers. As a precaution, McDonald’s has instructed restaurants to remove the onions, and distribution in the affected areas has been paused.
To ensure safety, McDonald’s is temporarily discontinuing the sale of the Quarter Pounder in several states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming. Additionally, some locations in Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma are also pulling the product from their menus.
Company's Response
Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, emphasized the company’s commitment to customer safety in a recent video statement. He reassured customers that McDonald’s would take all necessary actions to address the outbreak. The company noted that other popular menu items, like cheeseburgers and Big Macs, remain unaffected and continue to be available.
Rare Occurrence for McDonald's
This E. coli incident is unusual for McDonald’s, which has generally been recognized for its strict food-safety standards. In contrast, other fast-food chains, such as Wendy’s and Chipotle, have faced multiple foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years.
Impact on Business and Sales
McDonald’s has experienced a slowdown in U.S. business this year, with a decline in same-store sales reported in July—the first since the COVID-19 pandemic. To attract budget-conscious customers, the chain extended its $5 meal deal through December. Additionally, new offerings like the Chicken Big Mac have positively impacted domestic sales.
The company’s quarterly earnings report is scheduled for next Tuesday. Meanwhile, McDonald’s shares saw a 6% dip in premarket trading on Wednesday following news of the outbreak.
Details on the Affected Individuals
The individual who died due to the outbreak was an older adult in Colorado with preexisting health conditions. The age of the affected individuals ranges from 13 to 88, with the median age being 26. The CDC suggests the true number of cases might be higher, as many people recover from E. coli without seeking medical care.
Health Risks and E. Coli Symptoms
Symptoms of E. coli infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a kidney-related condition. The CDC reports that, annually, around 266,000 people in the U.S. fall ill due to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, leading to approximately 3,700 hospitalizations and 30 fatalities.
Food-Safety Concerns for the Fast-Food Industry
Foodborne illness outbreaks can significantly damage a restaurant’s reputation. Chipotle, for instance, struggled to regain customer trust after a series of outbreaks from 2015 to 2018. This led to an overhaul of their food-safety practices and a $25 million settlement to address criminal charges.
McDonald’s hopes to contain the impact of this outbreak through swift action and transparency, reinforcing its reputation for food safety in the fast-food industry.
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