- A multi-state E. coli outbreak has been linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers.
- 49 people across 10 states have fallen ill, and one person has died.
McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers have been linked to 49 cases of E. coli infections and one death in an outbreak spanning 10 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said anyone who has developed severe E. coli symptoms after eating a Quarter Pounder should call their healthcare provider.
The last case of E. coli linked to the outbreak was recorded on October 11, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Symptoms of an E. coli infection usually present three to four days after someone swallows the bacteria, the CDC said.
According to the CDC, symptoms of a severe E. coli infection include:
- Bloody diarrhea, or diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- A fever higher than 102°F
- Vomiting and being unable to keep liquids down
- Severe stomach cramps
- Signs of dehydration including: feeling dizzy when standing, a dry mouth and throat, and not peeing much
Most people with typical E. coli symptoms recover within five to seven days without medical treatment, the CDC said, but some people might develop serious kidney problems and need to be hospitalized.
10 people have been hospitalized after eating Quarter Pounders
As of Tuesday, the outbreak was linked to 10 hospitalizations, with most illnesses occurring in Colorado and Nebraska, the CDC said.
Public health officials are investigating which ingredient could be causing the outbreak, but early information from the FDA suggests the slivered onions or beef patties used for Quarter Pounders are the likely source of contamination.
Cesar Piña, McDonald's chief supply chain officer for North America, said in a statement on its website on Tuesday that an initial investigation suggested the illnesses may be linked to slivered onions, which were sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers.
McDonald's has stopped using both the beef patties and slivered onions used specifically for the Quarter Pounder. It has also temporarily pulled the burger from its menus in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as portions of surrounding states such as Nebraska and Oklahoma.
The FDA said on Tuesday that diced onions and other types of beef patties used in McDonald's restaurants are not affected by the E. coli outbreak.
McDonald's stock price dropped by more than 9% as news of the outbreak spread. John A. Gordon, a chain restaurant analyst, told Business Insider on Tuesday that sales of the Quarter Pounder could be negatively affected.
McDonald's did not immediately respond to an out-of-hours request for comment from Business Insider.
Have you experienced symptoms of E. coli after eating at McDonald's? Contact reporter Serafina Kenny: skenny@businessinsider.com.