McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak Ends: CDC Closes Investigation
By Jake Beardslee ·
December 3, 2024
In a significant public health development, federal health officials have declared an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers officially over, bringing relief to consumers and the fast-food industry after a challenging outbreak that spanned multiple states. Dirk Tussing / Wikimedia
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Tuesday that the outbreak, which began on October 22, has been contained. During its duration, the outbreak impacted 14 states, with 104 confirmed cases of E. coli contamination. The incident resulted in 34 hospitalizations and tragically claimed one life—an older adult from Mesa County, Colorado, according to NBC News. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Wikimedia
California-based Taylor Farms was identified as the distributor of the contaminated slivered onions found in McDonald's Quarter Pounders. A spokesperson for McDonald's confirmed that all Quarter Pounders were removed from restaurants in the 14 states following the outbreak announcement in October.
The outbreak's impact was particularly severe for some individuals. At least four people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. One notable case involved a 15-year-old girl from Grand Junction, Colorado, whose health deteriorated rapidly after consuming her favorite meal. Alena Darmel / Pexels
Investigative efforts by health officials were comprehensive. Of the 104 individuals affected, 81 were interviewed, with 63 reporting consumption of fresh, slivered onions. Notably, the Quarter Pounder was the only menu item containing these specific onions, which helped investigators pinpoint the source of contamination. Corpse Reviver / Wikimedia
"There does not appear to be a continued food safety concern related to this outbreak," the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated in a news release. The swift recall of onions appears to have been crucial in containing the outbreak's spread. Alena Darmel / Pexels
