Ten people were hospitalized and one person died after contracting E. coli bacteria linked to eating a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburger in 10 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the death of an elderly person was reported in Colorado, and a child was hospitalized with serious kidney complications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 49 people from 10 states became ill from the same strain of E. coli. Most patients are from Colorado or Nebraska.
The CDC said all people interviewed in connection with the outbreak reported eating at McDonald’s before they became ill, and most reported eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger. The USDA, Food and Drug Administration and state health officials are also investigating.
The specific ingredient linked to the disease has not yet been identified, but investigators are focusing on fresh cut onions and fresh beef patties, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
McDonald’s has proactively removed onion slices and beef patties used to make quarter-pound hamburgers from stores in affected states while the investigation continues, the company told the CDC.
Get weekly health news
Get the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
McDonald’s did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Global News asked McDonald’s Canada and Health Canada if there have been any infections reported in Canada and if any affected ingredients have been recalled from Canadian stores.
Escherichia coli bacteria are found in the intestines of animals and are found in the environment. The infection can cause severe illness, including fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea.
People who develop symptoms of E. coli poisoning should seek health care immediately and tell their provider about what they ate.
This news comes in an already difficult year for the Chicago-based chain. Its global same-store sales fell for the first time in nearly four years in the second quarter, as inflation-weary customers skipped dining out or chose cheaper options. The company responded with a $5 meal offer, which was introduced in U.S. restaurants in late June and recently extended through December. The deal does not include the quarter pounder.
McDonald’s shares fell 9% in after-hours trading Tuesday following the CDC announcement.
Quarter Pounders in some states may be temporarily unavailable, according to a CDC statement.
In 2015, burrito chain Chipotle saw its sales decline and its reputation damaged by an E. coli outbreak in several states.
– With files from The Associated Press and World News
