McDonald’s is hit after E. coli outbreak in the USA: What happened?
23 october 2024 в 18:37
McDonald’s suffered losses after nearly 50 people across the country fell ill with E. coli linked to its Quarter Pounders, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.
The investigation is ongoing as health officials work to determine the specific ingredient responsible for the illnesses. McDonald’s has proactively removed two ingredients from stores in affected regions: «freshly sliced onions» and «quarter pound beef patties». According to the fast food chain’s website, the Quarter Pounder consists of a beef patty topped with two slices of cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and a dollop of tomato ketchup, all snugly nestled in a sesame seed bun. The description proudly claims it is «Irresistible».
Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, stated in a release: «It is important to note that the majority of states and the majority of menu items are not affected».
At present, 49 people across the country have fallen ill, with the majority of cases reported in Colorado (26 cases) and Nebraska (nine cases), according to the CDC. Other cases have been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Ten people have been hospitalized, including a child who developed a kidney condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. Unfortunately, one elderly person in Colorado has died.
The first case was reported on September 27. Colorado state health officials notified the CDC of an unusual increase in E. coli cases on October 10, prompting the agency to begin its investigation on October 15.
The CDC noted that recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it typically takes 3−4 weeks to confirm that an ill person is part of an outbreak.
Symptoms of E. coli typically begin three to four days after consuming the bacteria and can vary, often including:
Most people recover without treatment within 5−7 days. However, some individuals may develop serious kidney problems known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and may require hospitalization. If symptoms worsen or serious complications arise, it is important to seek medical help immediately
The investigation is ongoing as health officials work to determine the specific ingredient responsible for the illnesses. McDonald’s has proactively removed two ingredients from stores in affected regions: «freshly sliced onions» and «quarter pound beef patties». According to the fast food chain’s website, the Quarter Pounder consists of a beef patty topped with two slices of cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and a dollop of tomato ketchup, all snugly nestled in a sesame seed bun. The description proudly claims it is «Irresistible».
Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, stated in a release: «It is important to note that the majority of states and the majority of menu items are not affected».
At present, 49 people across the country have fallen ill, with the majority of cases reported in Colorado (26 cases) and Nebraska (nine cases), according to the CDC. Other cases have been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Ten people have been hospitalized, including a child who developed a kidney condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. Unfortunately, one elderly person in Colorado has died.
The first case was reported on September 27. Colorado state health officials notified the CDC of an unusual increase in E. coli cases on October 10, prompting the agency to begin its investigation on October 15.
The CDC noted that recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it typically takes 3−4 weeks to confirm that an ill person is part of an outbreak.
Symptoms of E. coli typically begin three to four days after consuming the bacteria and can vary, often including:
Most people recover without treatment within 5−7 days. However, some individuals may develop serious kidney problems known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and may require hospitalization. If symptoms worsen or serious complications arise, it is important to seek medical help immediately
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
