E. coli Outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders

United States

####Update: Dec 03, 2024

The FDA, CDC, and state partners investigated a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to recalled, yellow onions distributed by Taylor Farms and served at McDonald's restaurants in certain states.

McDonald's is no longer serving recalled onions, and there does not appear to be a continued food safety concern related to this outbreak.

CDC considers this outbreak over, and FDA's investigation is closed.

Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-onions-october-2024

Update December 2nd, 2024:

A 6-year-old girl, Angelica Vazquez, from Springfield, Massachusetts, died from E. coli after eating a McDonald's cheeseburger before Halloween. Her mother, Samantha Ocasio, initially thought it was a mild stomach issue but rushed her to the hospital after Angelica collapsed on November 2. She died hours later.

Source: www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-girl-6-dies-from-e-coli-mother-believes-it-came-from-mcdonald-s-cheeseburger-7123623

Update: November 14, 2024

As of November 13, 2024, 104 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 14 states. Of 98 people with information available, 34 have been hospitalized, and 4 people developed HUS, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado.

Source: FDA

Update: October 30, 2024

The FDA, CDC, and FSIS are investigating an E. coli O157 outbreak linked to slivered onions at McDonald's. Key details:

Cases: 90 infections in 13 states (Sept 27 – Oct 16)
Hospitalizations: 27
HUS Cases: 2 (kidney risk)
Death: 1 in Colorado

Of 62 interviewed, 100% ate at McDonald's; 83% ate items with onions; 79% had quarter-pound beef patties. FSIS investigations did not find beef contamination, and Taylor Farms recalled onions. Risk is now low due to recalls and removal of onions in impacted states.

Affected States: CO, IA, KS, MI, MO, MT, NE, NM, OR, UT, WA, WI, WY
Onion Distribution: CO, IA, ID, KS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, OK, UT, WY

Source: FDA

Update: October 26, 2024

As of October 24, 75 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from 13 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept 27, 2024, to October 10, 2024. Of 61 people with information available, 22 have been hospitalized, and 2 people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado.

Source: FDA

An E. coli outbreak has been linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders, with 49 reported cases across 10 states, Colorado 26, Iowa 1, Kansas 1, Missouri 1, Montana 1, Nebraska 9, Oregon 1, Utah 4, Wisconsin 1, Wyoming 4. The outbreak has resulted in 10 hospitalizations and one death.

Epidemiologic data show that Quarter Pounder hamburgers served at McDonald's are contaminated with E. coli and are making people sick.

The majority of those affected reported consuming a Quarter Pounder from McDonald's prior to falling ill. The specific ingredient causing the contamination has not been identified yet. McDonald's has temporarily halted the use of fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in several states as a precautionary measure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are currently investigating the situation.

Source: www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html