
An alarming E. coli outbreak related to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has caused the CDC to issue a high-level food safety alert, leaving many questioning the safety of a favorite fast-food staple.
At a Glance
- 49 illnesses and one death have been reported across 10 states.
- Slivered onions were identified as a likely source of the outbreak.
- McDonald’s halts the use of onions and Quarter Pounder patties in affected regions.
- Other McDonald’s menu items remain safe for consumption.
CDC Safety Alert
The CDC has issued a food safety alert prompted by an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. This serious situation involves one fatality and 49 illnesses reported across ten states. Health officials are emphasizing the need to recognize and treat E. coli symptoms quickly.
⚠️CDC warning of “fast moving” situation—McDonald’s E. coli outbreak—1 dead, 49 sickened from an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers across multiple states. @McDonalds has now stopped selling Quarter Pounders from locations in several states. Still… pic.twitter.com/EbkBy848th
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) October 22, 2024
Source of Contamination
The outbreak has chiefly affected Colorado, with 26 cases confirmed. Slivered onions used in Quarter Pounders have been identified as the likely source of contamination. According to McDonald’s, these onions came from a single supplier serving three distribution centers.
These onions have been removed from McDonald’s supply chain. The FDA and Agriculture Department are investigating further to determine if the slivered onions were circulated to other distributors.
McDonald’s Response and Public Health Measures
McDonald’s has responded by stopping the use of slivered onions and Quarter Pounder beef patties in several affected states. Meanwhile, other menu items like the Big Mac and Cheeseburger, which do not use these specific onions, remain available and safe for consumers.
As part of its swift response, McDonald’s is working with health authorities to mitigate their supply line’s contamination risk and ensure customer safety. The CDC advises individuals who have consumed Quarter Pounders to seek medical care if they experience symptoms typical of E. coli infection.
Sources:
- CDC: 1 Dead, 49 Falls Ill Following E. Coli Outbreak Linked To McDonald’s Quarter Pounder
- McDonald’s Quarter Pounders linked to ‘severe’ E. coli outbreak across states, CDC says