On October 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the number of individuals infected in the E. coli contamination incident related to McDonald’s hamburgers has risen to 75, with one reported death and 22 people currently hospitalized.
In their report, the CDC stated that these cases are spread across 13 states, with affected individuals ranging in age from 13 to 88 years. There is one confirmed fatality, and among the hospitalized patients, two are facing severe complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome. The CDC suspects that the actual number of infections could be significantly higher than the reported 75.
According to the CDC, all interviewed patients indicated that they had dined at McDonald’s before showing symptoms, and most of them had consumed the “Quarter Pounder” beef burger.
At this time, officials have not identified which specific ingredient in the burgers is contaminated. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the onions and beef patties used in these hamburgers.
Reports indicate that McDonald’s locations in states like Colorado, Utah, and Kansas have already halted the use of the current supplies of onions and beef patties. Additionally, the “Quarter Pounder” has been removed from menus in several regions, with one-fifth of McDonald’s locations across the U.S. ceasing to sell this particular burger.
On October 24, McDonald’s suggested that the source of the E. coli contamination may be onions sourced from Taylor Farms in California. In response to the potential contamination, Taylor Farms has announced a recall of four types of raw onion products.
