The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of E. coli cases linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has reached 90, up from 75 cases last week. The slivered onions used on the burgers are believed to be the source of the outbreak, and McDonald’s has removed all affected Quarter Pounders from their restaurants in states with reported cases. The CDC stated that the risk to the public is very low and the most recent case was on Oct. 16. One death has been reported, along with 27 hospitalizations and two cases of a rare kidney illness called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
A family in Colorado shared the story of their daughter, who developed kidney damage after eating a Quarter Pounder from McDonald’s. The true number of cases may be higher than reported, as many people with E. coli infections do not get tested. Thirteen states have reported cases, and the FDA is investigating the source of the contamination, focusing on Taylor Farms Colorado Springs and an onion grower in Washington state.
McDonald’s has stopped sourcing onions from Taylor Farms and will offer Quarter Pounders without onions in affected stores. Other restaurant chains in Colorado have also removed onions from their menus as a precaution. So far, there have been no reported E. coli cases linked to these restaurants.
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