E. coli food poisoning linked to contaminated onions

E. coli food poisoning linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers sickened at least 49 people in 10 U.S. states, including one person who died and 10 who were hospitalized, federal health officials said Tuesday. In a statement, McDonald’s said initial findings suggest that some diseases are linked to onions coming from a single supplier. The company has halted distribution of sliced ​​onions and temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in affected states, as well as parts of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma. “We take food safety extremely seriously and it is the right thing to do,” McDonald’s said in the statement.

The death was reported in an elderly person in Colorado, and a child was hospitalized with serious kidney complications, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infections were reported between September 27 and October 11 in the states of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Colorado has the most cases, with 26, followed by Nebraska, with nine.

All of those interviewed in connection with the outbreak reported having eaten at McDonald’s before becoming ill, and most mentioned eating Quarter Pounder burgers, the CDC said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health officials are also investigating.

A specific ingredient has not yet been identified as the cause, but researchers are focusing on onions and beef. A preliminary FDA investigation suggests that sliced ​​onions served on burgers are a likely source of contamination. The Department of Agriculture is investigating hamburgers.

E. coli bacteria are present in the intestinal tract of animals and in the environment. Infections can cause serious illness, including fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea. People who develop symptoms of E. coli poisoning should seek medical attention immediately and report what they ate.

The news comes in an already difficult year for the Chicago-based McDonald’s chain. Its global same-store sales fell for the first time in nearly four years in the second quarter as customers worried about inflation avoided eating out or opted for cheaper options.

The company responded with a $5 meal offer, which was introduced in US restaurants in late June and was recently extended until December. Offer does not include Quarter Pounder.

McDonald’s shares fell 9% in post-market trading on Tuesday following the CDC announcement. The type of bacteria implicated in this outbreak, E. coli, causes about 74,000 infections in the U.S. each year, leading to more than 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths. Infections are especially dangerous for children under 5 years of age and can cause acute kidney failure.