An E. coli outbreak connected to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has sickened at least 75 people in 13 states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 22 people have been hospitalized, and one person died in Colorado. Some patients are experiencing severe kidney issues.
How Did This Happen?
The outbreak started on September 27, with most cases reported in Colorado and Nebraska. However, people have also gotten sick in other states like Montana, New Mexico, and Utah. Health officials are looking into where the contamination came from, paying special attention to the sliced onions used in the burgers.
These onions came from a California company called Taylor Farms, which has recalled its yellow onions produced at a facility in Colorado Springs. McDonald’s has stopped using these onions in about 900 restaurants, including busy places like airports.
What Are the Symptoms of E. Coli?
E. coli can cause serious stomach problems, including severe cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear one or two days after eating contaminated food. This infection is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.
What Are McDonald’s and Other Restaurants Doing?
To protect customers, McDonald’s has temporarily removed Quarter Pounders and slivered onions from the menu in affected states like Colorado and Kansas. They are working with the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to understand what went wrong. Other fast-food chains, like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King, are also removing fresh onions from their menus.
Taylor Farms is cooperating with health officials and says tests on their onions found no traces of E. coli. Still, other restaurants are being careful in response to the outbreak.
Legal Actions Started
Some people affected by the outbreak have filed lawsuits against McDonald’s. A person from Greeley, Colorado, got sick after eating at a local McDonald’s and tested positive for E. coli. Their lawyers are trying to get compensation for the victims and address health issues at the restaurant.
As health officials investigate, it’s important for consumers to stay informed and be careful when eating at fast-food restaurants. The CDC says that due to the actions taken by McDonald’s and Taylor Farms, the risk to the public is low, but it’s still wise to be careful. If you experience symptoms of E. coli, seek medical help immediately.