US News: McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Linked to Deadly E. Coli Outbreak 49 Infected, 1 Dead

In a shocking revelation, McDonald’s has confirmed that its signature Quarter Pounder is linked to a deadly E. coli outbreak that has left 49 people infected and one person dead across 10 states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the infections occurred between late September and mid-October, with all victims having consumed the Quarter Pounder. McDonald’s responded by removing the item from menus in the affected states while preliminary investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggest that contaminated raw onions from a single supplier may be the source of the outbreak. The company, however, has not revealed the identity of the supplier.

“What’s important today is that we’ve taken the action to protect the American public and promote public health,” Erlinger said. “We’re confident that we’ll see our way through this and will restore confidence for the American consumer to come to McDonald’s.”

Despite this alarming development, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger reassured customers on national television that the company is taking swift action to address the issue. He urged the public to feel confident about dining at McDonald’s, stating that they are working closely with federal agencies to resolve the situation. However, as investigations continue into both the onions and hamburger meat, food safety experts like Donald Schaffner caution consumers to remain vigilant, emphasizing that E. coli infections can cause serious, life-threatening symptoms.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the outbreak late Tuesday. It said 49 infections were reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11 in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. One person in Colorado died and 10 people were hospitalized. All of them mentioned eating Quarter Pounders, which contain a beef burger topped with pickles, slivered onions and a sesame seed bun.