An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has prompted the fast food chain to pull specific ingredients and its Quarter Pounder hamburgers in several locations. The outbreak is currently under investigation by multiple federal and state agencies. Here is everything known to date about this large-scale incident:
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 (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.
October 30, 2024 Update
- A total of 90 people, up from 49 initially announced cases, have now been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 across 13 states, up from the initially announced number of 10 states.
- 27 people have been hospitalized, up from the initially announced 10 hospitalizations.
- 2 people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe infection of the kidneys that can be life-threatening, up from the one person initially reported case of HUS.
- 1 person has died in Colorado but not from HUS.
- Additional cases of illness have surfaced, but these occurred before McDonald’s and Taylor Farms acted to pull slivered onions from restaurants.
- All 62 people interviewed so far have reported eating at McDonald’s, 48 of 58 people reported consuming an item that contained slivered onions, and 46 of 58 reported consuming a quarter pound hamburger with beef. Three people reported consuming an item that contained slivered onions but not on a quarter pound hamburger and one person reported consuming a quarter pound hamburger that did not contain slivered onions.
- FSIS has carried out an in-depth investigation, tracing the beef patties used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. Their findings indicate that ground beef is unlikely to be the source of contamination. Using specific meal details reported by those affected, FSIS tracked the beef patties through the supply chain to the production facility, where no issues with the beef were identified. Additionally, the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested beef patty samples, all of which tested negative for E. coli. FSIS will keep collaborating closely with both federal and state partners as the investigation continues.
- On October 22, 2024, Taylor Farms issued a recall for yellow onions supplied to McDonald’s and other food service clients. The FDA is collaborating with Taylor Farms and its direct clients to assess if more recalls for other customers in the distribution chain are needed. Current information suggests that the recalled yellow onions were not sold in grocery stores or directly to consumers. Food service clients who received the recalled onions were notified and should have stopped using or serving them. These clients are also advised to check that they have not frozen any of the recalled onions or dishes containing them.
- The FDA has also started inspections at a Taylor Farms processing facility in Colorado and at an onion farm in Washington state. The investigation is still ongoing.
- McDonald’s is still not using slivered onions in the affected states. With the onions recalled and removed, the current risk of E. coli contamination is low.
Timeline – October 30, 2024 Update
The first reported case of illness linked to this outbreak was on September 27, 2024 and the last reported onset of illness was on October 16, 2024.
Location of Affected Individuals – October 30, 2024 Update
- Washington, Wyoming, New Mexico, Oregon, Kansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan – 1 to 5 sick people
- Utah, Nebraska, Missouri – 6 to 15 sick people
- Colorado, Montana – 16 to 29 sick people
- 90 total illnesses to date
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. Additionally, the agency said that “recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3-4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
Demographics – October 30, 2024 Update
The CDC said that officials collect a variety of demographic data from affected individuals during an outbreak of foodborne illness to help determine the source of the infection.
| Demographics | Information |
| Age (information from 90 people) | Ranges from 13 to 88 years old Median age of 30 years old |
| Sex (information from 90 people) | 41% female 59% male |
| Race (information from 82 people) | 96% White 3% Black 0% Native American or Alaska Native 0% Asian 0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 1% reported more than one race |
| Ethnicity (information from 79 people) | 92% non-Hispanic 8% Hispanic |
Suspected Source
Although potentially contaminated beef was also initially suspected, federal and state health agencies are now working to determine if adulterated onions are the source of the outbreak. Traceback analysis is still being conducted on the ground beef patties served at McDonald’s restaurants as a source of the illness.
The FDA’s initial traceback and distribution data suggest that slivered onions used on Quarter Pounders are a probable source of contamination. The FDA is actively working to verify if these onions are indeed linked to the outbreak and to identify whether they were also used or sold by other establishments.
Taylor Farms, which supplies sliced onions to the affected McDonald’s locations, has voluntarily recalled their products. The company has also notified other food service customers who received the potentially contaminated onions.
The FDA, USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, and CDC are collaborating to trace the contamination source through distribution records and product sampling.
Lawsuits
Two lawsuits have already been filed against McDonald’s in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois by Houston, Texas-based Ron Simon & Associates, a national food safety law firm.
The first lawsuit was filed on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, on behalf of Eric Stelly, a Colorado resident who ate at a local McDonald’s restaurant on Friday, October 4, 2024. Two days later, Stelly began experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, including bloody stools, a common symptom of E. coli poisoning.
Stelly’s lawsuit presents three main claims against McDonald’s, including strict products liability, negligence and negligence per se, and breach of implied warranties.
The second lawsuit against McDonald’s was filed on Thursday, October 24, 2024 on behalf of Clarissa DeBock, a Nebraska resident who ate at a local McDonald’s restaurant on September 18, 2024. By September 23, DeBock was experiencing severe food poisoning symptoms and had to see medical care. While being treated, hospital staff diagnosed DeBock with an infection of E. coli.
Both lawsuits claim Stelly and DeBock were injured and that McDonald’s is responsible for the damages caused, including pain, suffering, medical costs, emotional distress, lost wages, and other related expenses, both past and future.
On Monday, October 28, 2024, Ron Simon & Associates issued a press release that the firm was now representing over three dozen families affected by the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak, including three cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
More lawsuits are expected to be filed against McDonald’s in the coming days and weeks.
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. Those infected with E. coli usually exhibit symptoms within 3 to 4 days after ingesting the bacteria.
Consumer Action
The CDC has asked consumers to contact their healthcare provider if they ate 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
Commercial Action
The CDC has asked that any business in possession of the recalled yellow onions from Taylor Farms to not sell, eat, serve, or further distribute them.
What’s Next
The CDC has said this is a fast-moving investigation and already provided its third update eight days after the initial announcement on October 22, 2024. It is expected that the organization will continue to provide timely updates, especially as it attempts to uncover the source of the outbreak, now narrowed down to fresh, slivered onions.
Commenting on this article, one national E. coli lawyer said, “This outbreak of foodborne illness at McDonald’s is shaping up to be the largest one in the United States this year. While some people recover quickly, an E. coli infection for others can cause serious problems, and can potentially lead to death. I strongly urge any consumer that has recently eaten at McDonald’s, and is experiencing symptoms consistent with food poisoning, to seek medical attention right away to ensure prompt treatment.”
