An outbreak of E. coli food poisoning tied to onions served on McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers has affected at least 104 people, with 34 hospitalized, according to federal health officials. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported cases in 14 states, with one fatality in Colorado and four cases of a potentially life-threatening kidney disease complication.
Colorado reported the highest number of cases at 30, followed by Montana with 19, and Nebraska with 13. Other affected states include New Mexico, Missouri, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, Michigan, Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. Illnesses were reported between September 12 and October 21, with several individuals mentioning consuming McDonald's food while traveling.
The CDC identified slivered onions served on the Quarter Pounders as the likely source of the outbreak. Taylor Farms, a California-based produce grower, recalled onions potentially linked to the outbreak. While tests detected a type of E. coli bacteria in one onion sample, it did not match the strain causing illness.
As a precaution, Quarter Pounders were removed from menus in some states, and the affected onions are no longer for sale. Despite the outbreak, CDC officials stated that the risk to the public remains low. E. coli infections are relatively common in the U.S., causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths annually.
Symptoms of E. coli poisoning can manifest quickly, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and signs of dehydration. Serious kidney injury, especially in young children, can result from E. coli poisoning and requires immediate medical attention.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and advises individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical help promptly.
