An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has sickened 49 people, resulting in 10 hospitalizations, and one death across 10 states, prompting the fast food chain to pull specific ingredients from its Quarter Pounder hamburgers in several locations. The outbreak is currently under investigation by multiple federal and state agencies.
Background
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS), are working to identify the specific contaminated ingredient causing the E. coli O157:H7 infections. Most affected individuals reported consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounders before falling ill.
In response, McDonald’s has taken precautionary measures and has temporarily suspended the use of two ingredients: fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in affected regions. The quarter-pound beef patties are exclusively used in Quarter Pounder hamburgers, while the fresh slivered onions primarily appear in this menu item and rarely in other offerings.
The CDC said that McDonald’s is cooperating with investigators to identify the contaminated ingredient.
The outbreak’s scope has led to the temporary unavailability of Quarter Pounders in several states.
Timeline
The first reported case of illness linked to this outbreak was on September 27, 2024 and the latest on October 11, 2024 with three people reporting sickness.
Locations of Affected Individuals
- Oregon, Montana, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin – 1 to 3 sick people
- Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska – 4 to 9 sick people
- Colorado – 10 to 26 sick people
The CDC said that the actual number of impacted individuals is likely much higher than the number reported so far because many people will recover without medical intervention or do not get tested for E. coli infection.
Health Risks
This outbreak is particularly concerning due to its rapid spread across multiple states and the severity of cases, including one death. E. coli O157:H7 is a particularly dangerous strain of bacteria that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
The majority of E. coli strains are not harmful and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut ecosystem by assisting in breaking down the food, contributing to the production of essential vitamins, and acting as a defense mechanism against more dangerous microorganisms.
However, not all E. coli are benign. Certain strains can cause a range of health issues in humans, including gastrointestinal distress resulting in diarrhea, infections of the urinary tract, respiratory ailments like pneumonia, systemic infections such as sepsis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) – a potentially deadly complication that can severely damage the kidneys and other vital organs.
Consumer Action
The CDC has asked consumers to contact their healthcare provider if they at a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburger and are experiencing severe E. coli symptoms:
- Diarrhea and fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you can’t keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration:
- Limited urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
Commenting on this article, one national E. coli attorney said, “E. coli can cause extremely severe complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to death if untreated. Any consumer, or their family members, who have recently eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburger, and are experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection should see their doctor immediately.”
