The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that the number of E. coli cases linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has increased to 90, with one reported death and 27 hospitalizations. The outbreak is believed to be caused by slivered onions used in the burgers. The affected Quarter Pounders were removed from restaurants in October, and the CDC has stated that the risk to the public is now very low. The beef patties used in the burgers were ruled out as the source of the outbreak by Colorado Agriculture Department officials. A 15-year-old girl in Colorado developed a rare kidney illness after eating the Quarter Pounder and had to undergo multiple rounds of dialysis.
The true number of cases may be higher as many people with E. coli infections are not tested, and 13 states have reported cases linked to the Quarter Pounders. The source of contamination is believed to be slivered onions supplied by Taylor Farms Colorado Springs. McDonald’s has stopped sourcing onions from the company and will sell the Quarter Pounder without onions in affected stores. Other restaurant chains in Colorado have also removed onions from their menus as a precaution. There have been no reports of E. coli cases linked to these restaurants.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com