McDonald's Quarter Pounder Suspected in E. coli Outbreak Across 10 States

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that it is investigating an E. coli outbreak affecting 10 states, with preliminary findings linking the outbreak to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

According to the CDC, between September 27th and October 11th, a total of 49 cases related to this outbreak were reported, with 10 individuals requiring hospitalization. Tragically, one elderly person in Colorado has passed away, and another has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe condition that can lead to kidney failure. As it typically takes three to four weeks to confirm a case as part of a specific outbreak, the number of reported cases is expected to rise further.

The outbreak has affected a wide area, but cases are concentrated primarily in Colorado and Nebraska. The CDC initiated its investigation on October 22nd and noted that the specific ingredient in the hamburgers that caused the E. coli infections is still unknown. However, preliminary reviews by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggest that sliced onions may be a "potential source of contamination."

McDonald's has taken the matter seriously and stated in a press release that it has instructed restaurants in affected areas to stop using sliced onions and Quarter Pounder beef patties until the source of the E. coli contamination is identified. Additionally, McDonald's has temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from the menus of restaurants in affected areas, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. It's important to note that other beef products on the menu, such as the Big Mac and Double Cheeseburger, are not affected by this outbreak.

Regarding the severity of E. coli infections, the CDC points out that the most common symptoms are diarrhea (which may be bloody) and stomach cramps, typically appearing three to four days after consuming the bacteria and lasting about a week. While most people recover without antibiotics, those under five years old, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe symptoms, such as diarrhea with fever, diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement or that is bloody, extreme vomiting leading to difficulty swallowing liquids, dehydration symptoms, and hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Therefore, the CDC advises consumers who have eaten a McDonald's Quarter Pounder and experience severe E. coli symptoms to immediately contact a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

This incident serves as a reminder that food safety is not a trivial matter, and relevant departments and companies should further strengthen supervision and self-examination to ensure that consumers can enjoy safe and healthy food.