OAN Staff Avril Elfie
5:13 PM – Tuesday, October 22, 2024
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) A food safety alert was issued after one person died and 49 others became ill with E. coli, and authorities believe the outbreak is linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder burger.
advertisement
At least 49 people have reported infection in 10 different states, including one death due to the outbreak.
The CDC said 10 people, including a child, were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can develop from E. coli infection.
Most of the illnesses associated with the outbreak have been reported by Colorado residents.
The agency said the investigation was proceeding “quickly” and that certain information reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated that “shredded onions were the likely source of the contamination.”
While the investigation is ongoing, McDonald's has traveled to Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
However, the CDC noted that the outbreak could spread beyond these states.
The CDC also said that these particular beef patties are only used in Quarter Pounders and that onion slices are used primarily in Quarter Pounders and not other items.
Initial findings linked the onions to a “single supplier serving three distribution centers,” McDonald's said in a statement.
“We are working closely with our suppliers to replenish our supply of Quarter Pounders in the coming weeks (timing varies by local market),” the company said. “For the time being, all other menu items including other beef products (including cheeseburgers, hamburgers, Big Macs, Mac doubles and double cheeseburgers) are unaffected and available.”
People infected with E. coli may experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms of infection usually appear 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people who become ill recover within a week without treatment, but some develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalization.
According to the CDC, anyone who becomes ill after eating a McDonald's Quarter Pounder should seek immediate medical attention and contact their doctor.
Stay informed. Receive breaking news directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
Advertisement below
Please share this post!
