An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has led to at least 75 illnesses across 10 states, including one death.
According to a CNN news report, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert this week warning that dozens of people reported eating a Quarter Pounder sandwich at McDonald’s before experiencing severe symptoms of food poisoning. So far, one person has died, and 10 have been hospitalized with E. coli symptoms.
Taylor Farms Onions Linked to Outbreak
McDonald’s officials announced on Oct. 24 that California-based Taylor Farms was the source of the fresh onions linked to this outbreak, although they did not say which facility those onions were from. Meanwhile, other fast-food restaurants, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King, have also removed onions from some menus.
Taylor Farms issued a recall this week for peeled whole and diced yellow onions for potential E. coli contamination. Officials said the recalled onions originated from a Taylor Farms facility in Colorado. It is not clear if those onions were the source of the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak
Officials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not confirm that the agency is investigating Taylor Farms and said they are still “looking at all sources” of the outbreak.
Restaurant Brands International, which owns Burger King, told the Associated Press that Taylor Farms’ Colorado facilities distributed 5% of onions used in its restaurants. Officials said that the company has asked its restaurants to dispose of all onions procured from that facility.
Onions have been linked to previous outbreaks as well. In 2015, Taylor Farms recalled a celery and onion mix used in Costco chicken salads after 19 people became ill with E. coli infections. Last year, 80 people were sickened and one died in a salmonella outbreak linked to bagged, diced onions from Gills Onions of Oxnard, California.
Hospitalizations and Severe Illnesses Reported
The McDonald’s E. coli outbreak has led to at least 10 hospitalizations, including one child who suffered from hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a serious complication of an E. coli infection that could lead to kidney failure. One older adult has died.
Most of the illnesses in this outbreak were reported in Colorado and Nebraska, but the CDC notes that the outbreak may go beyond those states’ borders. Illnesses have also been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The CDC urges people who have recently consumed a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and are experiencing severe E. coli symptoms to get medical attention immediately. It often takes weeks to determine whether a group of illnesses is part of an outbreak.
CDC said the outbreak is expected to grow with new cases reported on a rolling basis as scientists make genetic linkages between the outbreak strain and the bacteria that is causing the human infection. The illnesses linked to this outbreak have been reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11.
A Class Action Lawsuit has Been Filed
Reuters reports that consumers have sued McDonald’s in a proposed class action lawsuit stemming from the E. coli outbreak linked to onions used in the company’s Quarter Pounders.
The lawsuit was filed by two people—Amanda McCray of Chicago and William Michael Kraft of Davie, Florida—who say they experienced symptoms of E. coli infection after buying Quarter Pounders this month. They claim they would not have purchased the burgers if McDonald’s had disclosed the risk of contamination.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages exceeding $5 million for all U.S. consumers who bought the contaminated Quarter Pounders.
Food Poisoning Cases Rise in the U.S
CDC data released this summer shows that food poisoning cases are trending upward in the United States. CNN reports that E. coli infections, particularly, are well above federal targets for reducing foodborne illnesses.
In 2023, there were more than five E. coli infections for every 100,000 people in the U.S., a 25% increase from five years ago and about 40% higher than the target rate.
Nationwide, statistics show that Campylobacter bacteria is the most common pathogen causing food poisoning, with more than 19 illnesses reported by every 100,000 people.
Salmonella bacteria also caused about 14 illnesses for every 100,000 people last year, while listeria caused 0.3 illnesses for every 100,000.
In late July, Boar’s Head issued a recall for more than 7.2 million pounds of its ready-to-eat liverwurst and other deli meat products amid reports of hospitalizations and deaths. Earlier this month, BrucePac recalled nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items, affecting restaurants, schools, and retailers nationwide.
Coli Symptoms and Complications
Coli infections can cause symptoms that typically appear three to four days after exposure through food or water exposure. Common symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.
While some people experience mild illness, others may develop more severe complications. Most healthy individuals recover within a week. However, for certain groups, such as young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, E. coli can lead to serious health issues.
One of the most worrying complications of an E. coli infection is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which can develop in about 5 to 10% of cases. HUS is more common in young children and can cause kidney failure, which is life-threatening if untreated.
Symptoms of HUS include decreased urine output, fatigue, paleness, and, in severe cases, swelling of the face or extremities. This syndrome occurs when toxins released by E. coli bacteria enter the bloodstream, damaging red blood cells and the kidneys.
Immediate medical care is crucial for HUS to prevent lasting kidney damage or other life-threatening complications.
Actions to Take If You Suspect an E. coli Infection
If you suspect you have suffered an E. coli infection from contaminated food, it is crucial to act quickly. First, seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and to manage symptoms, especially if you are experiencing severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration.
Hydration is crucial, especially since diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss. Drinking water, oral rehydration solutions, or electrolyte-rich drinks can help maintain fluid balance.
For severe cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary. Do not take anti-diarrheal or other medication; contact your doctor immediately. Report the incident to local health authorities, as this can help track outbreaks and improve food safety.
In cases of severe complications, like Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), hospitalization and specialized treatment may be necessary to prevent kidney damage and other risks.
Contact an experienced food poisoning attorney who can help you secure maximum compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, cost of hospitalization, long-term health issues, permanent injury, past and future pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Sources: https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/23/health/mcdonalds-e-coli-quarter-pounder-investigation/index.html
https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-outbreak-e-coli-onions-2bc3fc2d4198d9a5bad52c0028316165
