The CDC announced that the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders now includes 75 cases. At least 10 people required hospitalization, with two developing a severe kidney condition. This increase follows the previous count of 49 reported illnesses earlier in the week. Cases have emerged in 13 states, but no new deaths have been reported.
CDC investigators confirmed that older reports contributed to the surge in case numbers. The most recent confirmed illness occurred on October 10. “We will see more reported illnesses,” said Matt Wise, CDC’s Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch chief. Interviews with 42 affected individuals revealed that all had eaten at McDonald’s before falling ill. Most victims ate Quarter Pounders, with ages ranging from 13 to 88, and men were most affected. Two people, including a teenager and an adult, developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening kidney condition.
Health officials believe the true case count is higher, as many E. coli infections go unreported. Symptoms typically appear three to four days after exposure, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever. The CDC and FDA suspect slivered onions used on Quarter Pounders as the contamination source. However, they have not ruled out the beef patties. Taylor Farms, a supplier based in California, provided the onions and has recalled four raw onion products. Fast-food chains, including Taco Bell and Burger King, have removed onions from their menus as a precaution.
McDonald’s and Supplier Respond to Outbreak
The FDA informed all restaurants that received the recalled onions, but no illnesses have been linked to other chains. Investigators are focusing on the specific ingredients used in Quarter Pounders, which differ from other McDonald’s menu items. McDonald’s has removed the affected onions and beef patties from locations in 12 states, including Colorado and Kansas. Due to these actions, the CDC considers the public risk to be low.
A McDonald’s representative revealed that the recalled onions reached about 900 restaurants in Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, and parts of other states. It remains unclear if the onions were shipped directly to McDonald’s or via a distributor. Taylor Farms is working with the CDC and FDA to investigate the contamination source. Taylor Farms’ spokesperson Rachel Molatore assured the public that current products are safe.
McDonald’s faces two lawsuits from customers who claim they fell ill after eating Quarter Pounders. Attorney Ron Simon, representing 15 people affected by the outbreak, said additional legal actions may follow. The CDC continues to monitor new reports, while McDonald’s and Taylor Farms collaborate with investigators to resolve the outbreak.