In the USA, one person has died, and dozens have reported symptoms of poisoning from E. coli bacteria, linked to food from McDonald's restaurants, officials announced on Tuesday. Health authorities in the United States stated that infections have been reported in 10 states, most of which are located in Colorado and Nebraska.
The total number of infected individuals is 49 people, of whom 10 were hospitalized, and one elderly person died in Colorado. All of them reported that they consumed food at McDonald's prior to the onset of symptoms of illness, with the majority stating they ate a specific type of hamburger called "Quarter Pounder."
The exact component contaminated by the bacteria has not been identified, but it is likely to be small ground beef or onions. McDonald's has temporarily removed these ingredients while the investigation is ongoing. The head of McDonald's in the USA, Joe Erlinger, stated in a video that food safety is of utmost importance to him and everyone at McDonald's.
He added: "We are taking preventive measures to eliminate ground onions used in the Quarter Pounder in some states." The well-known fast-food chain has also decided to temporarily remove the Quarter Pounder from some locations in certain states. E. coli bacteria can cause severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, typically lasting from three to four days.
Most infected individuals recover without treatment, but some may experience complications.
