McDonald’s Quarter Pounders have been linked to a recent E. coli epidemic. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epidemiologic evidence indicates that the virus is caused by onions in the burgers.
E. coli is a type of bacteria that can infect your urinary system, gastrointestinal tract, and other areas of your body. It can usually survive in your stomach without causing you any harm. However, certain strains might cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The type most likely to cause serious disease is the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
Between September 27 and October 16, at least 90 E. coli cases have been recorded from 13 states. As of right now, 27 people have been admitted to hospitals, two have been diagnosed with haemolytic uremic syndrome, a dangerous illness that can lead to kidney failure, and one elderly Colorado resident has passed away.
Although the exact number of infections is not yet available, the CDC states that the number of those infected is likely far greater than reported.
The FDA has opened investigations at two possible origins of the outbreak: an onion manufacturer in Washington state and Taylor Farms in Colorado. On October 22, Taylor Farms, the supplier of onions to the impacted McDonald’s restaurants, issued a yellow onion recall.
Thirty-three affected people, all of whom are being represented by attorney Ron Simon, have been suing in a class action case since the first case was announced in September. Among the infected is 15-year-old Kamberlyn Bowler. After being airlifted to Children’s Hospital Colorado, Bowler, one of two patients to suffer haemolytic uremic syndrome, spent nearly two weeks in the hospital with serious renal failure.
A breakdown of the states that this outbreak situation has affected include:
- Colorado with 29 cases
- Montana with 17 cases
- Nebraska with 12 cases
- Missouri with 8 cases
- Utah with 7 cases
- Wyoming with 5 cases
- New Mexico with 5 cases
- Michigan with 2 cases
- Washington, Oregon, Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin all with at least 1 case each
A statement on behalf of the victims was issued by the Simon Law Office. “This sort of illness is as preventable as it is tragic. Our team will continue to seek justice for those who have suffered from this outbreak. We can and will find out how this happened so that we can prevent it from happening again..”.
For the past 25 years, The Simon law office has practiced food safety law, representing victims of food illness in hundreds of cases across the US. One of the first significant and famous food poisonings in American fast-food history occurred during the 1992–1993 Jack in the Box E. coli incident. Four children died, and 732 people were reportedly impacted in four Western states, including California.
To track down and stop these strains, food specialists call the person who got sick to find out further details on the case. A professional contacts the individual who became ill, asking the individual to list all of the foods they had consumed during the past seven days, along with what was contained in each meal. Additionally, people are questioned about their recent travels, interactions with animals, and the types of treats they give their pets.
Most individuals have trouble remembering crucial details about what they ate, even in the most dire of situations. Therefore, health agencies strive to act fast in order to document people while their memories are still vivid.
There have been no reported illnesses since slivered onions have been removed from the McDonald’s menu. In a statement made on October 30th, McDonald’s announced that the Quarter Pounder, as well as other burgers made with the onions would return to the menu.
