Deadly E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder: One Fatality Reported as Shares Plunge 6%

Deadly E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's

An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers has resulted in one death and numerous illnesses across several U.S. states. As reported by federal health authorities, the outbreak began in September and has affected at least 49 individuals in ten western states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that contaminated Quarter Pounders are responsible for the infections.

The majority of cases have been reported in Colorado and Nebraska, but other states affected include Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Among those infected, ten people have been hospitalized, including a child facing serious kidney complications. All individuals interviewed by health officials indicated they had consumed Quarter Pounders before falling ill.

The E. coli strain involved in this outbreak is O157, which can cause severe health issues. This strain has a history of causing serious outbreaks, including a tragic incident in 1993 when four children died after eating undercooked hamburgers at Jack in the Box. Preliminary investigations suggest that slivered onions may be linked to the contamination, and authorities are working to identify the specific source.

In light of the outbreak, McDonald's share prices fell over 6% in after-hours trading. The company’s president, Joe Erlinger, stressed the importance of food safety in a video message. To mitigate the issue, McDonald's has suspended the distribution of slivered onions and temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from the menu in affected regions, including parts of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Deadly E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder: One Fatality Reported as Shares Plunge 6%