At least 75 people have become ill after consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounders containing a deadly strain of E. coli. The cases have been reported in 13 states, with 22 people hospitalized and two developing a severe kidney condition. Symptoms of E. coli infection include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The contamination is believed to have come from slivered onions served on the hamburgers. McDonald’s confirmed that Taylor Farms supplied the onions, and the company has issued a recall due to potential E. coli contamination. Several restaurant chains in Colorado have removed onions from their menu as a precaution. Lawsuits have been filed against McDonald’s by individuals who fell ill after eating the contaminated food. The number of cases is likely higher than reported, as many people recover without being tested for the bacteria. McDonald’s has pulled the implicated food items from its restaurants in 12 states, but it is unknown how the onions were transported to the locations. The CDC and FDA are continuing their investigation into the outbreak.
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