() –– The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert on Tuesday regarding an E. coli outbreak that they say is linked to Cuarto burgers. McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.
At least 49 cases of illness were reported in 10 states and the death of one elderly person. Ten people were hospitalized, including a child who had hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can develop from an E. coli infection. Most cases of illness were reported in Colorado and Nebraska.
Most people who got sick reported eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers, according to the CDC.
The agency says the investigation is progressing “quickly” and that information reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows that sliced onions are a likely source of contamination.
McDonald’s stopped using onions and Quarter Pounder beef patties in several states while the investigation continues, the CDC said. The agency assured that the Quarter Pounder meat is used only for that type of burgers, and that the sliced onions are also not used for other products.
McDonald’s said in a release that the findings of the initial investigation linked the ingredients to “a single supplier serving three distribution centers.”
“We are working closely with our suppliers to replenish the supply of the Quarter Pounder burger in the coming weeks (time will vary depending on the local market),” he said. “In the meantime, all other menu items, such as other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Big Mac Burger, McDouble and Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available.”
According to the FDAMcDonald’s recalled sliced onions and quarter-pound burgers from stores in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma. In other states, quarter-pound burgers may not be available.
However, the CDC also notes that the outbreak could spread beyond those states.
People infected with E. coli may have symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms of the infection usually begin three or four days after ingesting the bacteria. Although most people who become ill recover without treatment within a week, others may develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalization.
Anyone who gets sick after eating a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burger should seek medical attention and tell the provider what they ate, the CDC warned.
McDonald’s said in its statement that “serving customers safely in every restaurant, every day, is our top priority” and that it will continue to work with the CDC on the investigation.
McDonald’s stock price fell precipitously in after-hours trading when news of the outbreak broke.
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