The CDC launched an investigation after 75 illnesses were linked to E. coli, most likely from McDonald's Quarter Pounders.
McDonald’s Quarter Pounders Linked to Major E. Coli Outbreak
Updated on Oct. 25, 2024
If you were considering a late-night Quarter Pounder, make other plans. So far, 75 people have become ill in an E. coli outbreak 22 of those people have been hospitalized, and at least one has died. Of the 42 people interviewed by investigators, all 42 of them reported eating at McDonald’s.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently investigating the deadly outbreak. McDonald’s has quickly pulled the ingredients for its Quarter Pounders, and this popular menu item will be temporarily unavailable in select states.
What states are affected by the E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s?
So far, most of the confirmed illnesses are in Colorado and Nebraska. Other states with confirmed cases are Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The illnesses in these states started between September 27 and October 10.
McDonald’s locations in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma have temporarily stopped serving Quarter Pounders, says the FDA.
Investigators from the CDC, USDA and FDA have not yet determined which ingredient was contaminated with E. coli. The FDA reports testing slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties for bacteria. While the investigation is ongoing, the supplier of slivered onions for the affected McDonald’s locations has initiated a recall.
This is a fast-moving outbreak investigation, so Taste of Home will add updates as they become available.
Can I still eat at McDonald’s?
The only potentially contaminated ingredients are quarter-pound beef patties, which are used only on Quarter Pounders, and fresh slivered onions, which are primarily used on Quarter Pounders and not other menu items, according to the CDC. The diced onions used on regular hamburgers and Big Macs are not being investigated, and neither are other types of beef patties used at McDonald’s.
That being said, be thoughtful about what you order if you or your loved ones are more likely to get infected. Groups with a higher risk for an E. coli infection include children younger than 5, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems.
What are the symptoms of E. coli poisoning?
If you’ve recently eaten at McDonald’s and have symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea or fever of 102°F or higher, contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately. It’s important to remember that food poisoning from E. coli often doesn’t happen overnight. Symptoms usually start three to four days after swallowing the bacteria, the CDC says.
