McDonald’s has suspended sales of its popular Quarter Pounder burger after a deadly E. coli outbreak was linked to the menu item. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating the outbreak, which has spread across several states, leaving numerous customers seriously ill. Here’s everything you need to know about the investigation, how McDonald’s is responding, and what you can do to stay safe as health officials work to get the situation under control.
How widespread is the E. coli outbreak?
According to the CDC, at least 49 people across 10 states have been infected by the E. coli outbreak, with health officials warning that the actual number of cases may be higher. The majority of reported illnesses have been concentrated in Colorado and Nebraska.
The outbreak’s timeline indicates that infections began between September 27th and October 11th. Out of the 28 cases where detailed information was available, 10 people have been hospitalized, with one patient developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)—a severe complication that can lead to kidney failure.
Tragically, one death has been confirmed—an older adult from Colorado. The CDC clarified that this individual was not the same person who developed HUS.
Those affected range in age from 13 to 88, underscoring the broad impact of the outbreak on different age groups.
How is McDonald’s responding to the E. coli outbreak?
In response to the E. coli outbreak, McDonald’s has swiftly removed key ingredients from its Quarter Pounder burgers in several states. According to a CDC alert, investigators are working to identify which ingredient is causing the infections. Until then, Quarter Pounders will be temporarily unavailable in the states impacted by the outbreak.
McDonald’s has confirmed that fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties are no longer being used in affected states as a precaution.
“Across the McDonald’s System, serving customers safely in every single restaurant, each and every day, is our top priority and something we’ll never compromise on. It is why we are taking swift and decisive action following an E. Coli outbreak in certain states,” said Cesar Piña, McDonald’s North America chief supply chain officer, in a press release. “The initial findings from the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers. As a result, and in line with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply and we have paused the distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area.”
Piña added, “Out of an abundance of caution, we are also temporarily removing the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in the impacted area, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. We take food safety extremely seriously and it’s the right thing to do. Impacted restaurants are receiving a stock recovery notice today and should reach out to their field supply chain manager or distribution center with any questions.”
The CDC pointed out that quarter-pound beef patties and the slivered onions that primarily top them are exclusive to the Quarter Pounder, minimizing the risk to other products. This was confirmed by Piña as well, emphasizing that “all other menu items, including other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available.”
To further highlight its commitment to food safety, McDonald’s USA president Joe Erlinger has released the following video message:
What is an E.coli outbreak and how can you protect yourself?
An E. coli outbreak occurs when a specific strain of Escherichia coli bacteria leads to a higher-than-expected number of illnesses in a particular area, often linked to contaminated food or water. While many strains of E. coli are harmless and naturally present in the intestines, pathogenic strains can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), nausea, vomiting, and the abovementioned hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms typically manifest within 2 to 5 days after exposure and can lead to serious complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.
To protect yourself from E. coli infections, consider the following preventive measures:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom, before preparing food, and before eating.
- Cook Food Thoroughly: Ensure that ground meats are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to kill harmful bacteria.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods, and clean surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water after contact with raw meat.
- Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Rinse produce under running water before consumption, especially if it will be eaten raw.
- Drink Safe Water: Use bottled or treated water in areas where the safety of tap water is uncertain.
- Stay informed: Keep up with food recalls and advisories from health authorities, particularly during outbreaks.