E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder in Multiple States

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a severe E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, affecting dozens of people mainly in Colorado and Nebraska, with one fatality.

Ten individuals have been hospitalized, including a child with complications from HUS, a condition causing blood vessel damage and potentially deadly clots. All individuals interviewed reported eating at McDonald’s before becoming ill between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, with most specifying a Quarter Pounder.

Colorado has reported 26 cases, and one elderly individual with pre-existing conditions died from E. coli. State public health officials are collaborating with the CDC.

McDonald’s stock dropped over 10% in postmarket trading before reducing losses. This decline, if it holds, would be the largest since March 2020.

McDonald’s stated it is taking swift action to address the outbreak. They have removed Quarter Pounders from restaurants in affected areas and instructed local restaurants to remove slivered onions from their supply chains as a potential source of the outbreak.

“We are working in close partnership with our suppliers to replenish supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks,” the company said in a statement. All other menu items remain available.

E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in animal and human intestines, typically harmless. The current outbreak involves a virulent strain, E. coli O157:H7, with all infections linked to this strain. Symptoms usually appear three to four days after ingesting the bacteria and may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Citigroup analyst Jon Tower highlighted the importance of McDonald’s response for investor reaction. Key factors include controlling the outbreak, acknowledging responsibility, and strengthening food safety messages and investments.

“Negative food safety news is never welcomed by restaurants operators, especially those working to improve the brand image after getting off-sides on consumer affordability in recent years,” Tower said.

The company has removed Quarter Pounders from restaurants in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. They also indicated that some infections may originate from a single onion supplier servicing three distribution centers.

The CDC stated that the true number of cases is likely significantly higher than currently reported and may involve additional states. This is due to the possibility of many people recovering without testing. The case count may also continue to rise as it takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

Contaminated food

Major outbreaks can have long-term repercussions for restaurant chains. In 2015, E. coli and norovirus outbreaks at Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. locations across multiple states led to a substantial sales decline and fines. In August 2022, lettuce served at hundreds of Wendy’s Co. stores was linked to numerous E. coli infections in the U.S. Midwest.

E. coli can be spread through contact with contaminated foods, often raw or undercooked meat. It can also be transmitted via fruits and vegetables that may be contaminated through tainted irrigation water. Cooking typically eliminates the bacteria.

The CDC mentioned that the specific ingredient causing the outbreak has not been definitively identified and investigators are focusing on two ingredients: fresh, slivered onions and fresh beef patties. McDonald’s informed the CDC that they have pulled these products and removed Quarter Pounders from stores in affected states while the investigation continues.

A preliminary analysis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggested that the slivered onions were a likely source of the outbreak. They are working to confirm these findings and determine if the onions were served or sold at other businesses.