Forty-nine people have fallen ill from eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, and 10 people have been hospitalized. One person had died. The sandwiches were found to contain E. coli, a bacteria that can cause symptoms of “food poisoning”. An ongoing investigation has revealed that the slivered onions used in the sandwiches are the likely source of the bacteria, rather than the meat itself. McDonald’s has removed quarter pounders from the menu in some locations due to the outbreak. According to the CDC, the beef patties in question are used only for the Quarter Pounders, and the slivered onions are mainly used for the Quarter Pounder. The company has also stopped using the slivered onions as the investigation progresses.
McDonald’s has stopped using the onions and quarter pounder patties in all locations in Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming. The ingredients have also been removed from some stores in Missouri, Montana, Idaho, Nebraska, Iowa, Nevada, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
E. coli can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and stomach cramps, as well as vomiting and fever. The onset of symptoms typically occurs 3-4 days after ingesting the contaminated food. The majority of individuals who are infected recover on their own within 7 days. However, some people, particularly those at higher risk for severe illness, can suffer serious kidney problems that lead to hospitalization.
Full Story: CNN
