McDonald's Quarter Pounders linked to massive E. coli outbreak in US that has already claimed one life

Health officials have determined that McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers could be the link to a massive E. coli outbreak sweeping the United States that has already claimed one life and is responsible for many others falling ill.

The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert on Tuesday regarding the E. coli outbreak linking the worldwide fast food giant.

Around 50 cases have been reported across 10 states, including at least one death, with a further 10 people hospitalised, including a child who had hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can develop from an E. coli infection.

Most of the illnesses are in Colorado and Nebraska and most of the people who became ill reported eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

The agency says the investigation is “fast-moving” but has not identified a specific ingredient, however, “McDonald’s stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in several states while the investigation is ongoing,” the CDC says.

According to the agency, the beef patties are used only for the Quarter Pounders, and the onions are used primarily for the Quarter Pounder and not other items.

McDonald’s said in a statement the initial investigation findings linked the ingredients to “a single supplier that serves three distribution centres”.

“We are working in close partnership with our suppliers to replenish supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks (timing will vary by local market),” it said.

“In the meantime, all other menu items, including other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available.”

According to the CDC, McDonald’s has removed the ingredients from stores in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. In other states, Quarter Pounder burgers may not be available.

However, the CDC also notes that the outbreak may go beyond those states.

People with E. coli infections may have symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever and vomiting. Symptoms of infection usually begin three or four days after swallowing the bacteria. Although most people who become ill recover without treatment within a week, others can develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalisation.

McDonald’s stock price took a big market hit in the after-hours trading as news of the outbreak broke.