E. coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders Rises to 104 Cases
The number of illnesses in the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has risen to 104, up from 90 at last count, health officials said in an update Wednesday.
Update on the Outbreak
To date, 34 people have been hospitalized, four have developed serious kidney problems, and one has died. The outbreak was announced last month, though some cases date to September, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Source of the Outbreak
The CDC and McDonald’s have both pointed to slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders as the likely source of the outbreak. McDonald’s said last month that Taylor Farms, a California-based food producer, supplied the onions to affected restaurants. Taylor Farms recalled its yellow onions on October 22.
Resolution of the Outbreak
Health officials said Wednesday that there no longer appears to be a food safety concern. In the last week, McDonald’s has resumed selling Quarter Pounders with slivered onions at the affected locations, relying on a different supplier for the onions.
Affected States
Fourteen states have been affected by the outbreak. Colorado has reported the most cases (30), followed by Montana (19) and Nebraska (13).
Testing Results
The results of testing on samples of the recalled onions are pending. So far, one sample has come back positive for E. coli, but the strain didn’t match the one in the outbreak, called O157:H7.
Symptoms and Treatment
Most people infected with the E. coli strain recover without treatment. Milder symptoms often include stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. In more severe cases, people can develop high blood pressure, kidney disease, neurological problems, or hemolytic uremic syndrome — a condition that can lead to kidney failure.
Lawsuits
Several lawsuits have been filed against McDonald’s since the outbreak was announced, including a proposed class action.
McDonald’s Response
McDonald’s said Wednesday in an online statement that “food safety is something we will never compromise on, and we remain committed to doing the right thing.”
Conclusion
The E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has resulted in 104 cases, with 34 hospitalizations, four cases of serious kidney problems, and one death. The outbreak has been linked to slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders, and McDonald’s has resumed selling the burgers with onions at affected locations using a different supplier. The company remains committed to food safety and has taken steps to resolve the outbreak.
FAQs
Q: How many people have gotten sick from eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounders?
A: At least 104 people have gotten sick.
Q: How many people have been hospitalized?
A: 34 people have been hospitalized.
Q: How many people have developed serious kidney problems?
A: Four people have developed serious kidney problems.
Q: How many people have died?
A: One person has died.
Q: What is the likely source of the outbreak?
A: The likely source of the outbreak is slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders.
Q: What did McDonald’s do to resolve the outbreak?
A: McDonald’s resumed selling Quarter Pounders with slivered onions at affected locations using a different supplier for the onions.
