The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Wednesday that 15 additional cases of E. coli poisoning have been linked to onions used in Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s.
These cases date back to before the fast-food chain stopped using onions from the Colorado Springs facility of distributor Taylor Farms, according to the CDC.
The agency also reported five new hospitalizations connected to this outbreak, bringing the total number of hospitalizations to 27, with the overall case count now at 90. Tragically, one individual has died in Colorado due to this outbreak.
During an investor call on Tuesday, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski expressed relief that the situation appears to be contained, stating, “I remain confident in the safety of eating at McDonald’s.” The company has since apologized for the incident.
At least three lawsuits have already been filed against McDonald’s regarding the outbreak, and lawyers representing affected individuals expect more legal actions to follow.
McDonald’s announced that the Quarter Pounders would return to the menu within the week.
Understanding E. Coli: Symptoms and Precautions
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, some can lead to severe gastrointestinal illnesses. According to the CDC, these harmful strains often spread through food or water contaminated with feces, sometimes due to improper hygiene by food handlers or contamination from animals such as cattle.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting. The CDC advises McDonald’s customers to seek immediate medical attention if they experience:
- Diarrhea accompanied by a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement
- Bloody diarrhea
- Excessive vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, including:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Dizziness when standing up