The McDonald's Quarter Pounder was first introduced in Fremont, California, in 1971 and eventually became part of the national menu in 1973.
This menu item is a four-ounce 100% beef patty, originally topped with ketchup, mustard, slivered onions, and pickles, served in a sliced sesame seed bun.
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In case your mouth is still watering.
The McDonald's Quarter Pounder stands out from the rest because it's the only McDonald's burger with a freshly cooked burger patty, unlike the other burgers, which come pre-cooked and frozen.
Although it might not be the best-selling item on the McDonald's menu, the Quarter Pounder is many people's go-to; for some, it's the only item they order.
Well, as of Tuesday, the McDonald's Quarter Pounder has been completely banished from most McDonald's menus, and the reason is more than just a simple company choice; it's the result of one of the most detrimental issues a food corporation could ever face.
The CDC links McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers to E. coli outbreak
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On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a food safety alert to warn people about an E. coli outbreak linked to the McDonald's Quarter Pounder burger.
As a result, McDonald's (MCD) will temporarily stop serving its iconic Quarter Pounder to allow investigators time to identify the source of the contaminated ingredients. This will allow the company to make supply changes quickly to prevent further cases.
“Food safety is our top priority at McDonald’s," said McDonald's President Joe Erlinger on NBC's "Today" show. "It’s the top priority for our suppliers as well,” he added.
Although the most cases have been reported in Colorado, with 26, and Nebraska, with nine, McDonald's will also stop using Quarter Pounder slivered onions and beef patties in all stores in Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and some locations in Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma while the investigation takes place.
The temporary removal of the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder from the company's menu won't affect the rest of its selections. The company will remain open and continue serving all its other fan favorites.
“We are very confident that you can go to McDonald’s and enjoy our classics," said Erlinger.
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When the CDC announcement was released, McDonald's shares dropped by 9% after trading hours on Tuesday and declined another 5% on Wednesday.
As of Oct. 22, there are 49 reported cases in 10 states, with 10 hospitalizations and one death.
However, this is not the first time McDonald's has been involved in an E. coli outbreak; in 2022, six children reported symptoms consistent with E. coli after eating McDonald's Chicken McNuggets in Ashland, AL.
The incident hospitalized four of the children.
Symptoms of an E.coli infection
According to the CDC, Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a bacteria that can be found in the environment, foods, water, and intestines of both humans and animals.
Most E. coli germs are harmless as they help with food digestion, vitamin production, and protect against harmful germs, yet some can still cause moderate to severe illness.
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People infected with E. coli will experience symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, within three to four days of ingesting the bacteria.
Although most people recover without treatment after five to seven days, some may develop serious kidney problems like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure, permanent health problems, and even death.
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