A deadly E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has claimed the life of one person and sickened at least 49 others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The outbreak, which occurred between late September and mid-October, affected individuals across ten US states, with Colorado and Nebraska being the hardest hit.
The victims, ranging in age from 13 to 88, include 10 people hospitalized, one of whom is a child suffering from a severe kidney condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.
The CDC suspects the number of cases may be higher than reported.
While the exact source of contamination is still under investigation, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is examining slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounders as a potential culprit.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is also tracing the beef patties. McDonald’s has responded by temporarily removing the Quarter Pounder from menus in affected states and halting the use of slivered onions in other burgers.
McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger assured the public that the company has taken “swift action” to ensure food safety.
Image credit: Jaskeerat Singh
