McDonald’s Removes Ingredients from Menu Amid E. Coli Outbreak
McDonald’s has removed ingredients from its menu in some locations as dozens of people have been sickened with E. coli in multiple states, all after eating the hamburger chain’s popular quarter pounders, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Outbreak
The outbreak has been reported in at least 10 U.S. states so far, with most cases in Colorado and Nebraska, though several Midwest states have also seen cases. In total, 49 people have been sickened, 10 of whom have been hospitalized and one of whom has died.
Investigation
Investigators have been working to find the source of the outbreak, focusing on two ingredients so far: fresh, slivered onions, and fresh beef patties.
McDonald’s Response
McDonald’s has pulled ingredients for these burgers, and they won’t be available for sale in some states. The company has said that it is "proactively making these changes while investigators work to confirm the contaminated ingredient" and noted that quarter pound beef patties are only used on the Chicago-based chain’s Quarter Pounders.
What You Should Do
The CDC urged anyone who experiences E. coli symptoms after eating at McDonald’s to call their healthcare provider.
E. coli Symptoms
According to the CDC, most people infected with E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Symptoms typically appear within three to four days of ingesting the bacteria, and most people recover between five and seven days.
Symptoms Include:
- 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
McDonald’s Full Statement
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.
Conclusion
McDonald’s has taken swift and decisive action to address the E. coli outbreak, removing ingredients from its menu and pausing the distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the source of the E. coli outbreak?
A: The source of the outbreak is being investigated, with two main suspects: fresh, slivered onions, and fresh beef patties.
Q: How many people have been sickened?
A: 49 people have been sickened, 10 of whom have been hospitalized and one of whom has died.
Q: Where are the cases reported?
A: The cases have been reported in at least 10 U.S. states, with most cases in Colorado and Nebraska, and several Midwest states also seeing cases.
Q: What should I do if I experience E. coli symptoms after eating at McDonald’s?
A: The CDC urged anyone who experiences E. coli symptoms after eating at McDonald’s to call their healthcare provider.
