Deadly E. Coli Linked To McDonald’s Sickens 49 People In 10 States

An E. coli food poisoning outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has sickened at least 49 people across 10 states, including one person who has died and 10 who have been hospitalized, federal health officials reported, Jonel Aleccia reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Everyone interviewed in connection with the outbreak reported eating at McDonald’s before becoming ill, with most mentioning Quarter Pounder hamburgers. I Photo: McDonald's

The death occurred in an older individual in Colorado, while a child has been hospitalized with severe kidney complications, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The infections were reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11 in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Colorado had the most cases with 26, followed by Nebraska with nine.

Everyone interviewed in connection with the outbreak reported eating at McDonald’s before becoming ill, with most mentioning Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

The CDC stated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state health officials are investigating the situation.

Although a specific ingredient has yet to be identified as the cause, investigators are focusing on onions and beef. The FDA’s investigation points to slivered onions as a likely source of contamination, while the USDA is investigating the hamburger patties.