An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has resulted in at least one death and nearly 50 people falling ill. The source of the outbreak appears to be slivered onions served on the hamburgers, which come from a single supplier and are then sliced and packaged for distribution to restaurants. The strain of E. coli involved, O157:H7, is producing a powerful toxin that can damage the intestines. This is the first time this strain has been linked to an outbreak involving raw onions.
McDonald’s has pulled the sliced onions and beef patties used in the Quarter Pounders from affected areas. The majority of cases have been reported in Colorado, with individuals also falling ill in other states. The CDC has ramped up its investigation, and it is expected that more cases will be reported in the coming days.
Public health officials are working to trace the source of the contamination and ensure the safety of other food products. The FDA, FSIS, and CDC are all involved in the investigation. Symptoms of E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and nausea. Some infections can lead to life-threatening conditions such as kidney failure. As of now, onions used in other McDonald’s menu items have not been implicated in the outbreak. The FDA has not named a specific farm or supplier of the onions but is focused on a single supplier that serves three distribution centers.
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