McDonald’s Full Statement on Multistate E. coli Outbreak
Across the McDonald’s System, serving customers safely in every single restaurant, each and every day, is our top priority and something we’ll never compromise on. It is why we are taking swift and decisive action following an E. Coli outbreak in certain states. The initial findings from the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers. As a result, and in line with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply and we have paused the distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are also temporarily removing the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in the impacted area, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. We take food safety extremely seriously and it’s the right thing to do. Impacted restaurants are receiving a stock recovery notice today and should reach out to their field supply chain manager or distribution center with any questions.
We are working in close partnership with our suppliers to replenish supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks (timing will vary by local market). In the meantime, all other menu items, including other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available. We will continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are committed to providing timely updates as we restore our full menu.
What to know about the outbreak:
Which states have been impacted so far?
The outbreak has been reported in at least 10 U.S. states so far, with most cases reported in Colorado and Nebraska, though several Midwest states have also reported cases.
Of the cases reported so far, 26 have been reported in Colorado, plus one death, and nine have been reported in Nebraska. Other states to report cases include Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Which ingredients are behind the outbreak and which locations are removing them?
The exact source of the outbreak remains unclear, but investigators believe it is likely tied to either fresh, slivered onions or the fresh beef patties used in the Quarter Pounder.
McDonald’s said in its statement the removal of ingredients was “out of an abundance of caution,” but includes locations in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Symptoms to watch for
The CDC urged anyone who experiences E. coli symptoms after eating at McDonald’s to call their healthcare provider.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
What is E. coli?
According to the Mayo Clinic, E. coli stands for Escherichia coli, a bacteria that normally lives "in the intestines of healthy people and animals."
FAQs:
Q: How many people have been sickened by the outbreak?
A: 49 people have been sickened so far.
Q: How many people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak?
A: 10 people have been hospitalized.
Q: How many deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak?
A: At least one death has been reported.
Q: What is the status of the Quarter Pounder and other menu items?
A: McDonald’s has removed the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in affected areas and is working to replenish supply. Other menu items, including other beef products, are unaffected and available.
Q: How can I get more information about the outbreak?
A: Contact your healthcare provider or visit the CDC website for more information.
