McDonald’s E Coli outbreak grows to more states as two people fight for their lives and 75 fall sick after eating Quarter Pounders
The number of Americans who have become sick with E. coli linked to the onions of McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has risen to 75.
The number of infections tied to the mega-popular fast food chain rose drastically from the last update on Oct 22, when the CDC announced that 49 people had gotten sick.
One person has died while two are fighting a serious condition that can cause kidney failure.
So far, 22 people have been hospitalized across 13 states, three more than was reported a few days ago.
Investigations are still ongoing as to the cause of the outbreak, linked to Quarter Pounders
According to the CDC: ‘The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli.’
McDonald’s has temporarily removed Quarter Pounder hamburgers from the menu in certain states due to a potential food safety issue.
The chain is replacing its supply of slivered onions and beef patties at locations in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
These adjustments are being made as investigators work to identify the source of contamination. Currently, the affected ingredients – quarter-pound beef patties and fresh slivered onions – are mainly used for Quarter Pounders and aren’t widely included in other menu items. Investigators are also examining whether the issue could impact other restaurants or stores.
