One person has lost their life, and ten others are currently receiving treatment in hospitals due to an E. coli outbreak associated with quarter-pound hamburgers from McDonald’s.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 49 E. coli infections associated with hamburgers. Health officials indicate that a majority of those affected had dined at a particular fast food restaurant. The highest number of reported cases has been observed in Colorado and Nebraska.
The CDC reports that investigators are currently trying to identify the specific contaminated food ingredient. In response to the situation, McDonald’s has ceased the use of slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in multiple states.
Quarter Pounder hamburgers will be temporarily unavailable in several Western states, such as Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, along with parts of other states, according to McDonald’s. The company mentioned that it is collaborating with suppliers to restock ingredients.
McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger stated in a video that the majority of states and menu items remain unaffected by the outbreak. He also noted that other beef products, including the cheeseburger, hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and double cheeseburger, are not impacted, as they use a different type of onion product.
“We are working quickly to return our full menu in these states as soon as possible,” Erlinger said. “I hope these steps demonstrate McDonald’s commitment to food safety.”