A deadly E. coli outbreak linked to shaved onions on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers has sickened 104 people in 14 states, federal health officials said in an update Wednesday.
At least 34 people have been hospitalized and four developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. An 88 year old man who… lived in Grand JunctionColorado, died, as previously reported. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the illnesses began in late September and the most recent onset of the illness occurred on October 21.
McDonald’s said in late October that its Quarter Pounders – without sliced onions – would return to the menus of hundreds of the affected restaurants after tests found beef patties were the cause of the outbreak.
The hamburger chain then pulled the burgers from restaurants in several states outbreak was announced.
The FDA and Colorado officials have collected onion and environmental samples from McDonald’s stores and distribution centers. One sample of recalled onions tested positive for E. coli, but did not match the outbreak strain.
Onion supplier Taylor Farms has recalled yellow onions after the outbreak and McDonald’s has reintroduced chopped onions from another supplier.
“There does not appear to be any ongoing food safety concerns associated with this outbreak at McDonald’s restaurants,” the FDA said.
In a statement obtained by CBS News on Wednesday evening, McDonald’s said it had found an “alternative supplier” for the approximately 900 restaurants that had temporarily stopped serving Quarter Pounders with chopped onions.
“This past week, these restaurants resumed sales of Quarter Pounder burgers with sliced onions,” McDonald’s said.
It usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. Most people infected with the toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Most recover without treatment after five to seven days.
People are advised to call their healthcare provider if they have eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and are severe E. coli symptoms.
