The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of E. coli cases linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has reached 90, with one person dying and 27 hospitalized. The outbreak is believed to be caused by slivered onions used on the burgers. McDonald’s has removed all Quarter Pounders in affected states from their restaurants and stated that the risk to the public is low. A 15-year-old girl in Colorado developed a rare kidney illness after consuming a Quarter Pounder. The true number of cases is likely higher than reported, as many people with E. coli infections recover without being tested. Thirteen states have reported cases, and the FDA is investigating the source of contamination. McDonald’s has stopped sourcing onions from the supplier Taylor Farms and will sell the Quarter Pounder without onions in affected stores. Other restaurant chains in Colorado have also removed onions from their menus as a precaution. There have been no reports of E. coli cases linked to these restaurants.
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