A major blow to global fast-food giant McDonald’s as one person has died and dozens have been hospitalized after consuming a Quarter Pounder hamburger contaminated with the deadly E.coli bacteria, commonly found in human waste. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the contamination.
The outbreak, which began in late September, was initially kept under wraps by McDonald’s. However, it has now emerged as a food poisoning crisis in western U.S., primarily affecting Colorado and Nebraska with 49 confirmed cases. Following the news, McDonald’s shares dropped by over 6%.
The bacterial infection has resulted in ten people, including a child with hemolytic uremic syndrome (a severe condition damaging blood vessels in the kidneys), being admitted to hospitals. The contamination can cause kidney damage, heart attacks, and other life-threatening complications.
McDonald’s is facing immense scrutiny worldwide as the crisis spreads like wildfire. The elderly victim in Colorado died after consuming the contaminated burger, and all infected individuals have been diagnosed with E. coli. Investigators are yet to identify the exact source of the outbreak, although onions and beef patties are suspected.
McDonald’s President Joe Erlinger addressed the situation in a video message, emphasizing that the company’s priority is food safety. They have temporarily removed Quarter Pounders from select restaurants and taken measures to eliminate onions from the burgers as a precaution.
Other menu items, including beef products, remain available at McDonald’s locations across affected states.
