One person has died, and dozens have fallen ill due to E. coli infections linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers across 10 states, with Colorado reporting the highest number of cases, the US Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday.
The E. coli strain involved, O157:H7, is a dangerous type that can lead to serious illness. This strain was responsible for the 1993 outbreak at Jack in the Box restaurants, which resulted in the deaths of four children who had eaten undercooked hamburgers. So far, 10 people have been hospitalized in this latest outbreak.
Shares Drop Amid Food Poisoning Incident
McDonald’s shares dropped by around 6% in extended trading following the news. The outbreak could also affect US cattle futures, as reduced demand for beef may put pressure on the market, according to a livestock trader.
The CDC said all the individuals interviewed during the investigation reported eating at McDonald’s before falling ill, with most specifically mentioning the Quarter Pounder. Although the exact source of contamination has not yet been identified, investigators are looking closely at two ingredients: fresh beef patties and slivered onions used in the burger.
Cesar Piña, McDonald’s North America Chief Supply Chain Officer, said in a statement that initial findings suggest the illnesses may be tied to slivered onions supplied by a single source to three distribution centers. McDonald’s has removed the onions and beef patties from stores in the affected states while the investigation continues.
Colorado and Nebraska Most Affected
The outbreak has mostly impacted Colorado and Nebraska, but cases have been reported in other states as well. As a precaution, McDonald’s has temporarily removed Quarter Pounders from restaurants in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, and is working with suppliers to replenish stocks in the coming week.
US food safety attorney Bill Marler, who previously represented a victim in the Jack in the Box outbreak, warned that more cases of illness could emerge. Onions have been linked to E. coli outbreaks before, he said. Marler added that beef contamination is less common now due to food safety measures, suggesting that undercooked meat at multiple locations could be to blame.
“You’d have to have multiple restaurants under-cooking the meat,” he added.
McDonald’s is temporarily removing the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in the impacted areas, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, it said in a statement, adding it was working with suppliers to replenish supply in the coming week.
Symptoms for E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Most people who suffer an infection will start feeling sick three to four days after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria, Colorado’s public health department said. However, illnesses can start anywhere from one to 10 days after exposure, the department added.
In 2015, burrito chain Chipotle saw its sales battered and reputation hit due to E.coli outbreaks in several states. That outbreak was linked to a different strain of E. coli that typically causes less severe illness than E. coli O157:H7.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
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