E. coli food poisoning linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states, including one person who died and 10 who were hospitalized, federal health officials said Tuesday.
The death was reported in an older person in Colorado, and one child was hospitalized with severe kidney complications, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
Infections were reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Colorado has the most cases, 26, followed by Nebraska with nine.
Everyone interviewed in connection with the outbreak reported eating at McDonald’s before falling ill and most mentioned eating Quarter Pounder hamburgers, the CDC said.
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The U.S. Agriculture Department, the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials also are investigating.
A specific ingredient has not been identified as the cause, but investigators are focused on onions and beef. A preliminary FDA investigation suggests slivered onions served on the burgers are a likely source of contamination. The USDA is investigating the hamburger patties.
In a statement, McDonald’s officials said initial findings suggest some illnesses are linked to onions sourced from a single supplier. The company halted distribution of the slivered onions and temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in the affected states, and also in portions of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
“We take food safety extremely seriously and it’s the right thing to do,” the statement said.
E. coli bacteria are harbored in the guts of animals and found in the environment. Infections can cause severe illness, including fever, stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea.
People who develop symptoms of E. coli poisoning should seek health care immediately and tell the provider what they ate.
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