McDonald's quarter pounders taken off the menu in some states amid e. coli outbreak: CDC
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Federal health officials are investigating an e. coli outbreak linked to food from McDonald's that has sickened 50 people in the U.S., including one person in Kansas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a press release on Tuesday, Oct. 22 that it is investigating an e. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's quarter pounders. Fifty people in ten states have been impacted by the outbreak, the majority of cases coming from Nebraska and Colorado.
One person has died due to this situation in Colorado. In total, ten people have been hospitalized. In one case, a child is hospitalized due to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Cases are being reported in the following states:
- Colorado - 27.
- Nebraska - 9.
- Utah - 4.
- Wyoming - 4.
- Wisconsin - 1.
- Iowa - 1.
- Kansas - 1.
- Missouri - 1.
- Montana - 1.
- Oregon - 1.
The CDC said all those individuals it has interviewed regarding this outbreak have reportedly eaten at McDonald's prior to falling ill with many saying they ate a quarter pounder hamburger. Investigators have yet to identify what specific ingredient has caused the e. coli outbreak.
McDonald's has proactively removed some ingredients used in its quarter pounder burgers such as onions and beef patties from stores in the impacted states while the investigation is underway, according to the CDC. People may find that McDonald's quarter pounders are temporarily unavailable in some states.
The CDC reports that people infected with e. coli may experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is usually bloody and vomiting. Symptoms tend to appear around three to four days after coming into contact with the bacteria. E. coli can lead to serious kidney problems in some cases, HUS, requiring hospitalization. Most people usually recover from e. coli without needing treatment in a five to seven-day period.
McDonald's North America Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Piña issued a statement regarding the situation on Oct. 22. He said no other menu items at McDonald's are impacted by this outbreak.
"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."
McDonald's North America Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Piña statement excerpt
People who are experiencing symptoms linked to e. coli are encouraged to contact their health care providers for assistance. More information on e. coli symptoms can be found online by clicking here.
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