An E. coli outbreak has been linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75 cases have been confirmed across 13 states, 22 of which resulted in hospitalizations.
Two of those who were hospitalized developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially fatal complication that can result from an E. coli infection.
One individual also died, though they did not develop the syndrome.
On Tuesday, the CDC opened an official investigation after 49 cases of E. coli were reported across 10 states. This number is expected to go up as it can take several weeks to determine whether or not a case is part of a known outbreak.
According to the CDC, most of the known cases so far have occurred in Colorado. There have also been reported cases in Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Oregon, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Utah.
The US Food and Drug Administration believes the beef patties or onions in the burgers were most likely contaminated. In the meantime, authorities will be working to determine the exact source of the bacteria.
The FDA said among those who have been infected, everyone reported having eaten a beef hamburger at McDonald’s.
A spokesperson for the agency said they are currently working to determine whether or not it was the silvered onions that caused this outbreak. Not only will they be working with state and federal partners but they will also be conducting a trace-back investigation by evaluating distribution records.
Since the outbreak, the fast food chain has removed Quarter Pounders from its menu in numerous locations. They have also stopped using the quarter-pound beef patties as well as the onions in a number of states, including Wyoming, Utah, Kansas, and Colorado.
Taylor Farms, the supplier of McDonald’s onions, have also removed them from the market, according to a statement by the company on Wednesday. A recall has also been issued for the onion products out of an abundance of caution.
Prior to the outbreak, the facility supplied onions to nearly 900 McDonald’s locations across the U.S. including those in airports and other transportation hubs.
The FDA also determined that the potentially contaminated onions were sold to other fast food chains including Pizza Hut, Burger King, KFC, and Taco Bell.
Signs of E. coli Infection
While the majority of people will recover on their own within 5 to 10 days, some people may develop complications that require hospitalization. Some individuals may also develop long-lasting health effects.
If you believe you have an E. coli infection, seek medical attention from a health care practitioner.
You may also need to consume oral rehydration fluids to replenish the minerals and nutrients los.
