The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a food safety alert due to an E. coli outbreak linked to the Quarter Pounder burgers from the fast food chain McDonald's. So far, one death has been reported, ten people have been hospitalized, and 49 cases have been confirmed in the United States.
According to the CDC, the majority of those affected by this outbreak had consumed McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers before becoming ill. Although the contaminated food ingredient has not yet been identified, the chain pointed out that it could be related to sliced onions supplied by a single vendor to three distribution centers. As a preventive measure, McDonald's has stopped using fresh sliced onions and Quarter Pounder beef patties in several states while the investigation continues.
Among the ten hospitalized individuals is a child, and most of the cases have been reported in Colorado and Nebraska. Symptoms of E. coli include fever, prolonged diarrhea, vomiting, and signs of dehydration. According to the CDC, the majority of people recover without treatment after five to seven days.
Following the alert announcement, McDonald's stock fell by 5% in after-hours trading on Tuesday. The company has taken steps to address the situation and is actively cooperating with health authorities in the investigation of the outbreak.
In conclusion, the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's burgers has raised concerns in the United States, with one death, ten hospitalized individuals, and a total of 49 confirmed cases. Authorities and the fast-food chain are working to identify the source of the contamination and prevent the spread of the outbreak among consumers.
