At least 49 people in 10 states have been impacted by an E. Coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, which has become a serious public health concern.
One person has died and ten people have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak, including a child who has serious kidney problems, according to federal health officials.
Late Tuesday, the epidemic was notified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to the report, 49 infections were reported in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming between September 27 and October 11.
In Colorado, ten people were hospitalized and one person died. They all said they had eaten Quarter Pounders.
Reason of McDonald’s E.Coli Outbreak
Officials are trying to determine the source of the contamination, but preliminary results point to hamburger patties and slivered onions as possible culprits.
In response to the epidemic, McDonald’s has stopped distributing some ingredients and taken the implicated dishes off of menus in the states that have been impacted.
It’s probable that the infected product has already made its way through McDonald’s supply chain, according to McDonald’s US President Joe Erlinger.
However, he said the business will comply with the probe and work closely with the authorities. Erlinger refused to disclose the supplier’s identity or whether it serves other grocery stores or restaurant groups.
E. Coli and it’s Effect
E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your gut (Gl tract), urinary tract and other parts of your body.
The implicated strain, E coli O157:H7, causes approximately 74,000 infections annually in the US, leading to severe symptoms including fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhoea.
Precautionary Measures and Legal Concerns
In the impacted states as well as portions of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, McDonald’s has taken the Quarter Pounder hamburger and slivered onions off of its menus.
In addition to having an effect on public health, the outbreak has cost McDonald’s money.
According to ET, the company’s shares dropped 6% in after-hours trading, and the issue may have an additional impact on U.S. cattle futures by reducing demand for beef.
This outbreak comes at a challenging time for McDonald’s, which has recently experienced declines in global same-store sales.
This health concern might put more weight on the fast-food chain’s financial performance and reputation as it struggles with how inflation affects consumer behavior.
The investigation is ongoing, with health officials urging the public to be vigilant about the symptoms of E coli infection.
To get regular Food Industry updates, feel free to join our WhatsApp group: Joining link