CDC Issues Urgent Alert on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Health Risk

A serious E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has resulted in a nationwide health alert from the CDC, leaving many wondering about its resolution.

At a Glance

CDC issued a food safety alert due to E. coli found in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers.
49 individuals across 10 states reported ill, with one death confirmed.
Slivered onions used in Quarter Pounders are believed to be the source of contamination.
McDonald’s halted onion and quarter-pound beef patty usage in several states as a precaution.
CDC cautions the outbreak might extend beyond currently reported states.

CDC Warning and Details

The CDC has issued an urgent food safety alert following a severe E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. The outbreak has affected at least 49 people across ten states and tragically resulted in one death. Health officials have quickly responded to alert the public and work alongside McDonald’s to identify and rectify the source of contamination.

Reports indicate that 10 individuals have been hospitalized, with one child experiencing hemolytic uremic syndrome, prompting grave concern. The states reporting most cases include Colorado, suggesting a significant localised impact.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert Tuesday regarding an E. coli outbreak that it says is linked with McDonald's Quarter Pounders.

At least 49 illnesses have been reported across 10 states, including one death of an older person.

Most of… pic.twitter.com/X9TwiOks9v

— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 22, 2024

Identifying the Source

Investigations identify slivered onions as the likely contamination source, used specifically in Quarter Pounder burgers. According to an FDA review, these onions were sourced from a single supplier servicing three distribution centers. Both McDonald’s and the CDC are actively engaged in confirming this link.

“According to the agency, the investigation is “fast-moving” in its efforts, and certain information reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated that “slivered onions are a likely source of contamination.”” – CDC

The outbreak, however, could extend beyond the states presently identified; therefore, the true incidence might be higher than reported. The FDA is investigating if these onions reached other businesses.

⚠️CDC warning of “fast moving” situation—McDonald’s E. coli outbreak—1 dead, 49 sickened from an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers across multiple states. @McDonalds has now stopped selling Quarter Pounders from locations in several states. Still… pic.twitter.com/EbkBy848th

— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) October 22, 2024

Response and Precautionary Steps

In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s has ceased using onions and quarter-pound beef patties across the states in question. Despite this disruption, other menu items like Cheeseburgers and Big Macs remain unaffected.

“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,” McDonald’s said, in part.

CDC strongly advises anyone experiencing E. coli symptoms, such as severe cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, after consuming Quarter Pounders, to seek medical attention. The ongoing investigation will continue until complete resolution of the public health risk.