CDC reports that E. coli outbreak is associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

According to the CDC on Tuesday, an outbreak of E. coli associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has resulted in one fatality and led to 10 individuals being hospitalized.

Overview: According to a food safety alert from the CDC, there are 49 reported cases across 10 different states.

• According to the alert, the majority of diseases are found in Colorado and Nebraska.

Focus closely: The investigation into this rapidly spreading outbreak is underway. A majority of those affected have mentioned consuming Quarter Pounder hamburgers from McDonald’s, and officials are hastily trying to identify the specific contaminated food ingredient, according to a notice from the CDC.

• The CDC announced that McDonald’s has removed the ingredients for these burgers, making them unavailable for purchase in certain states.
• According to the CDC, McDonald’s has informed them that it has ceased the use of fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in various states.
• On Tuesday, McDonald’s released a statement on its website regarding the outbreak, announcing that it has temporarily halted the distribution of all sliced onions in the affected region.

E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s: Affected states reporting cases

The map provided by the CDC indicates the locations of the 49 individuals affected by the outbreak.

• According to the CDC, Colorado reports 26 cases of illness, whereas Nebraska has nine. Both Wyoming and Utah each have four reported cases.
• According to the map, there is one reported case in each of the following states: Oregon, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri.

McDonald’s temporarily removes Quarter Pounder from some restaurants

Upcoming actions: According to Cesar Piña, McDonald’s North America chief supply chain officer, the restaurant chain will temporarily take the Quarter Pounder off the menu in the affected region.

• This encompasses areas in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, along with sections of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
• We prioritize food safety above all else, as it is our responsibility, stated Pi. Today, the affected restaurants will receive a notice regarding stock recovery, and they are encouraged to contact their field supply chain manager or distribution center if they have any inquiries.

Indeed, McDonald’s clarified that its other beef offerings, such as the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and Double Cheeseburger, remain unaffected and are still on the menu.

Signs of E. coli infection

Risk assessment: According to the CDC, individuals infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli typically suffer from intense abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

• The infection can lead to serious kidney problems and some people need to be hospitalized. It can also lead to kidney failure and death, the CDC said.
• Teresa Murray, a consumer advocate for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), stated that individuals who are particularly vulnerable include the elderly, young children, expectant mothers, and those with weakened immune systems.
• According to Teresa Murray, a consumer advocate with the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), individuals who are particularly vulnerable include elderly people, young children, expectant mothers, and anyone whose immune system is weakened.