The escalation of the E.Coli outbreak connected to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has caused further concern as 26 new cases have been reported, elevating the total number of affected individuals to 75, according to the latest updates from federal health officials. This disturbing increase also comes with a rise in hospitalizations, adding 12 more to the tally and spreading the outbreak across three additional states. This outbreak, linked to slivered onions on the hamburgers, has tragically resulted in one fatality in Colorado and has prompted McDonald’s to withdraw the popular burger from its menus in over a dozen states.
Amidst growing concern, McDonald’s, the nation’s leading fast-food chain, has refrained from commenting further on the situation since announcing the removal of Quarter Pounders from about 20% of its restaurants in the implicated states on October 22. Compounding the issue, a McDonald’s supplier, Taylor Farms, has initiated a recall of yellow onions from a Colorado facility in direct response to the outbreak. Following this measure, Yum Brands also opted for caution by eliminating fresh onions from Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC outlets in specific locations.
The most recent illness reported began on October 10, pinpointing the outbreak’s start to September 27. Colorado reports the highest number of infections, with a total of 26 cases. The outbreak has also led to legal action, with a Colorado resident filing what is believed to be the first lawsuit against McDonald’s in relation to the outbreak after suffering severe gastrointestinal symptoms post-consumption of food from the franchise.
The situation remains under close observation by health officials and the affected companies, striving to contain the outbreak and prevent further cases.
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