At least one person has died and dozens have fallen ill following a severe E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak, which began in late September, has affected 49 individuals across 10 western states, with the majority of cases concentrated in Colorado and Nebraska.
The CDC confirmed that one older person in Colorado has died, and ten people, including a child suffering from hemolytic uremic syndrome, have been hospitalized. The child’s condition is a serious complication that can cause kidney damage.
All affected individuals carried the same strain of E. coli and reported consuming food from McDonald’s prior to experiencing symptoms, with most recalling having eaten Quarter Pounders.
Investigators are focusing on the potential contamination of slivered onions and beef patties, though the exact ingredient responsible for the outbreak has not yet been identified. Both ingredients have been removed from McDonald’s restaurants in the affected states while the investigation continues.
In response, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger issued a statement on Tuesday, saying the company had proactively removed slivered onions and temporarily discontinued the Quarter Pounder from its menus in select states “out of an abundance of caution.” He emphasized that food safety is a top priority for the company. Other menu items, including different beef products, remain available in affected states.
The CDC has advised anyone who consumed a Quarter Pounder and developed symptoms of E. coli infection, such as severe diarrhea, high fever, or vomiting, to seek medical attention. Symptoms typically begin three to four days after exposure, and most people recover within five to seven days without medical treatment.
Following the announcement, McDonald’s shares fell by more than six percent in after-hours trading.
The investigation remains ongoing as health officials work to pinpoint the source of the contamination.
