E. coli outbreak

McDonald’s Quarter Pounder linked to outbreak

Last week, reports of an E. coli outbreak in multiple states such as Nebraska and Colorado surged through news outlets and social media. Recently, the number of states affected by this began increasing. The states that are currently affected by the outbreak are Oregon, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, New Mexico, Washington and Wisconsin. However, the highest number of cases were in Nebraska, Montana and Colorado. 

The cause of the outbreak was attributed to a famous item on McDonald's food menu — the quarter pounder burger. Many individuals reported an intense feeling of sickness after consuming the item. It is unclear as to what ingredient may have been contaminated with the bacteria, however, testing is still being conducted. While no evidence of E. coli was found on the beef patties, the onions, which are sourced from Taylor Farms, are suspected to be the contaminated item. Because of this, McDonalds stopped sourcing their onions from Taylor Farms indefinitely and have branched out to use other sources. In the meantime, it is said that the Quarter Pounders will not include onions. 

The outbreak prompted an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both organizations are responsible for identifying the main source of contamination. Because of the current situation, certain locations and brands such as Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC have stopped including onions in their food products. 

Recent reports state that out of the 80 individuals infected with E. coli, one person has died and more than 22 people have been hospitalized. Customers who have previously eaten at McDonald's and are experiencing symptoms of an E. coli infection are advised by the FDA to contact their healthcare provider right away in order to report their symptoms and obtain treatment.  

Symptoms include: decreased alertness, blood in the urine, unexplained bruises or a rash of small red spots, diminished pinkness in the cheeks or lower eyelids and little to no urinating. According to the CDC, the outbreak may not be restricted to the states where cases are known to exist and the actual number of sick people is likely far larger than the number that has been recorded. Underdiagnosis of outbreaks can occur as patients recover without medical attention and aren't tested for E. coli. Furthermore, because it often takes three to four weeks to identify if a symptomatic person is a victim of an outbreak, recent cases may not have been recorded yet.

by Robert Tengker