The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of E. coli cases linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has increased to 90, with one fatality and 27 hospitalizations. The outbreak has been traced back to slivered onions used on the burgers. McDonald’s has removed all Quarter Pounders from affected states since October 22 to prevent further spread of the bacteria. The CDC believes the public risk is now very low, with the most recent case reported on October 16. Colorado officials ruled out the beef patties as the source of the outbreak. A family in Grand Junction, Colorado, shared the story of their 15-year-old daughter who developed a kidney illness after consuming a Quarter Pounder at McDonald’s. The true number of cases is likely higher, as many E. coli infections go untested. Thirteen states have reported cases linked to the outbreak. The slivered onions were supplied by Taylor Farms Colorado Springs, and McDonald’s has stopped sourcing from the company and will sell Quarter Pounders without onions in affected stores. Other restaurants in Colorado have also removed onions from their menus as a precaution. There have been no reports of E. coli cases linked to these other restaurants.
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