### E. Coli Outbreak Associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounders: Onions Determined as the Likely Culprit
A multi-state *E. coli* outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers has affected 90 individuals, hospitalized 27, and led to one fatality, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Spanning 13 states, the outbreak has been traced to slivered onions utilized in the burgers, with the CDC confirming onions as the probable source of contamination.
#### The Outbreak Timeline
The CDC first disclosed the outbreak on October 22, 2024, recognizing both onions and beef patties as potential contributors to the contamination. However, onions rapidly became the main focus. On October 23, Taylor Farms, the provider of McDonald’s onions, initiated a recall for peeled and diced yellow onion products. Following this, McDonald’s and numerous other fast-food chains, such as Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Burger King, withdrew onions from their menus as a precautionary step. Importantly, no other restaurants have been directly linked to the outbreak thus far.
#### Investigation and Findings
The CDC has indicated that traceback data and epidemiological evidence gathered since the announcement has consistently pointed to onions as the source of contamination. McDonald’s confirmed that both state and federal tests on the beef patties used in Quarter Pounders have yielded negative results for *E. coli*.
In the CDC’s most recent update on Wednesday, it was revealed that an additional 15 cases have been recognized as part of the outbreak, including five new hospitalizations. This increases the total case count to 90, with 27 hospitalizations and one death. The newly reported illnesses all began prior to the onion recall on October 23, with the latest illness reported on October 16. The CDC has warned that more cases may still be reported, as it typically takes several weeks to connect illnesses to an active outbreak.
#### Geographic Spread
The outbreak has impacted 13 states, with 900 McDonald’s locations receiving onions from Taylor Farms. Affected states comprise Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, alongside parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Utah.
#### Public Health Response
In its media advisory, the CDC reassured the public that the likelihood of further contamination is considerably low thanks to the product recalls and measures implemented by McDonald’s and Taylor Farms. McDonald’s has stated that Quarter Pounders—without onions—will be reintroduced to the menus of impacted restaurants this week.
#### What You Should Know About *E. coli*
*E. coli* is a strain of bacteria known to cause severe foodborne illness. Typical symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. In extreme cases, *E. coli* infections can result in kidney failure and death, particularly in at-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
The CDC advises anyone who has consumed a Quarter Pounder from McDonald’s and is experiencing symptoms of *E. coli* infection to seek medical assistance immediately. Additionally, consumers are urged to stay updated regarding ongoing recalls and food safety alerts.
#### Conclusion
As the outbreak continues to be monitored, the rapid actions taken by McDonald’s and Taylor Farms have substantially lowered the risk to the public. The CDC is committed to providing updates as more information arises, but it currently appears that the worst of the outbreak is over. Consumers are encouraged to remain alert and heed any further guidance from health authorities.
For additional information on food safety and outbreak updates, visit the CDC’s official website or McDonald’s corporate site dedicated to food safety measures.
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**Image Caption**: A Quarter Pounder hamburger served at a McDonald’s outlet in Effingham, Illinois.
**Credit**: [Getty | Scott Olson](https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/quarter-pounder-hamburger-is-served-at-a-mcdonalds-news-photo/660694990?adppopup=true)
