Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that McDonalds Quarter Pounder hamburger has been linked with E. coli outbreak, leading to one death and dozens of illnesses across 10 states, as of Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
According to Reuters, local officials revealed that the popular McDonalds menu item is suspected to be connected to an outbreak of E. coli, which has caused 49 illnesses, 10 of which required hospitalization. Most of the cases were reported in Colorado and Nebraska.
In addition to Colorado, the CDC stated that small groups of individuals in Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Montana each experienced at least one illness following consumption of the Quarter Pounder.
The CDC identified the strain involved as E. coli O157, a serious pathogen that was responsible for a 1993 outbreak that killed four children after they ate undercooked hamburgers at Jack in the Box restaurants.
Victims have reported that they had eaten at McDonalds prior to falling ill, with most confirming they had consumed the Quarter Pounder. However, the CDC has yet to identify the specific ingredient causing the outbreak. Investigators are focusing on fresh onions and ground beef, which are key ingredients in the hamburger.
“Preliminary findings suggest that some of the illnesses may be linked to onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced from a single supplier serving three distribution centers,” said Cesar Piña, McDonalds North America Supply Chain Chief, in a statement on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
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Bill Marler, a U.S. food safety attorney who represented victims in the Jack in the Box outbreak, noted that onions have been associated with E. coli O157 outbreaks before. Contamination of beef, however, is less common due to improved food safety measures.
While the investigation continues, McDonalds has informed the CDC that it has proactively stopped using onions and beef in Quarter Pounders at affected locations. The fast-food giant has also temporarily removed the hamburger from its menu in states impacted by the outbreak, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming.
E. coli symptoms include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Most people infected begin to feel sick within three to four days after consuming contaminated food or drink, though the illness can appear anywhere from one to 10 days post-exposure.
As investigations continue, health officials urge consumers to stay vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms after eating McDonalds.
(Raidi/Agung)
