The CDC and FDA are investigating a US E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.
The CDC has identified 49 E. coli cases across 10 states related to the consumption of McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. Most of the infections were reported in the western and Midwestern regions of the US.
Illnesses started between September 27 and October 11, 2024. As of writing, there are 28 cases with available data, of which 10 required hospitalization. One person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe condition that can lead to kidney failure, while an older adult in Colorado died because of the illness.
The actual number of people affected may be much higher, the CDC warns.
“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,” the CDC said.
The likely source of contamination is thought to be the slivered onions used in Quarter Pounders, but investigations are ongoing.
The impacted states include Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
McDonald’s Response
In response, McDonald’s has taken what it describes as “swift and decisive action.” It is temporarily removing the Quarter Pounder from menus in affected areas and pausing the distribution of all slivered onions in those regions.
McDonald’s has assured customers that its other menu items are unaffected and is working with health authorities to resolve the problem.
Cesar Piña, McDonald’s North America Chief Supply Chain Officer, said: “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.”
According to Bloomberg, McDonald’s shares fell over 10% in postmarket trading before recovering slightly. The fast-food giant is already facing public scrutiny. Only time will tell if this incident will cause lasting damage to its brand reputation and image.