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US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention a Food safety alert Tuesday regarding an E. coli outbreak allegedly linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders.
At least 49 illnesses have been reported in 10 states, including one elderly person. Ten people were hospitalized, including a child with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can result from an E. coli infection. Most of the cases are in Colorado and Nebraska.
Most of the sick people said they ate a McDonald's quarter-pounder sandwich, the CDC said.
The agency said that the investigation. “Moving Fast” And data reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration suggests that chopped onions may be a source of contamination.
McDonald's has stopped using its onion and quarter-pound beef patties in several states while the investigation continues, the CDC said. According to the agency, the roast beef is only used for the quarter pounder and the chopped red onion is used primarily for the quarter pounder and not for other items.
McDonald said in press release Initial investigation findings link the onion to “one supplier serving three distribution centers.”
“We are working closely with our suppliers to replenish supplies for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks (timing varies by local market),” he said. “Until then, all other Mann's items, including other beef products (including Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and Double Cheeseburger) remain intact and available.”
As of 2011 FDAMcDonald's has removed the sliced onions and quarter-pound patties from its stores in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma. A quarter pound burger may not be available in other states.
However, the CDC also noted that the outbreak may have spread beyond these states.
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People with an E. coli infection may have symptoms including severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms of infection usually begin three or four days after ingesting the bacteria. Although most sick people recover within a week without treatment, others develop severe kidney problems and require hospitalization.
Anyone who becomes ill after eating a McDonald's Quarter Pounder should seek medical attention and tell the provider what they ate, the CDC says.
McDonald's said in a statement that “serving our customers safely at every restaurant, day in and day out, is our top priority” and that it will continue to work with the CDC on the investigation.
McDonald's shares fell sharply in after-hours trading on news of the outbreak.