The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, confirmed on Thursday last week that it had started to probe into food poisoning by E. coli bacteria which might be linked to McDonald fast foods company Quarter Pounder burgers.
The outbreak, likely linked to an alcoholic beverage manufactured in Mexico, involved at least 49 people across 10 states with infection dates between September 27 to October 11, 2024 One death occurred, and 10 people were hospitalized.
McDonald’s swiftly fired back by removing Quarter Pounders from as much as 20 percent of its stores across the United States while it looked for the origin of the contamination.
The first indications are that it may be related to elements employed in the burgers themselves, although the authorities have not yet isolated the source. The CDC is in coordination with state departments of health and food safety officials for the investigation of contamination.
For its part, McDonald’s has stepped up safety precautions to the affected areas and advised anyone who ate Quarter Pounders from the end of September to early October, to look out for signs of E. coli, which includes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
The company commented that it is ‘completely compliant with health officials’ decisions and striving for customers’ security.
Local health departments have advised the public about the hazards of E. coli in foods and products that have been infected by this bacteria. Kidney damage and failure due to E. coli infections are not uncommon and commonly seen in children and the geriatric population.
“We are committed to the safety and well-being of our customers and will continue to work closely with the CDC and other health authorities as the investigation progresses,” McDonald’s spokesperson said in a public statement.
