McDonald’s reassured customers on Wednesday that they can still order from its restaurants despite a deadly E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounders.
Joe Erlinger, the President of McDonald’s U.S., stated in an interview on the “Today” show that the Quarter Pounder has been removed from the menu in the 10 affected states, as well as in several others.
A preliminary investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has pointed to raw onions served on Quarter Pounders as a potential source of contamination. McDonald’s indicated that some of the reported cases are connected to onions from a single supplier. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also looking into the hamburger meat.
“Our top priority is to protect the public and ensure public health,” said Erlinger. “We are confident that we will address this issue and restore trust for our customers to return to McDonald’s.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the outbreak, reporting 49 cases between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11 in multiple states. One fatality occurred in Colorado and 10 individuals were hospitalized. All affected individuals reported consuming Quarter Pounders.
The incubation period for E. coli is short, so symptoms would manifest quickly if one is affected, explained Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University. “If you ate these burgers in September and are fine now in October, you’re likely in the clear,” he stated.
E. coli bacteria reside in the intestines of animals and in the environment. Infections can result in severe symptoms like fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea. Anyone experiencing signs of E. coli poisoning should seek medical attention immediately and disclose what they consumed.
Erlinger mentioned that the contaminated product may have already passed through McDonald’s supply chain. The company will collaborate with authorities and assist with the investigation. The supplier has not been named, nor whether they serve other eateries or grocery stores.
McDonald’s stocks dropped by 4.5% early on Wednesday.
AP Health Writer JoNel Aleccia contributed.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
