1 dead as McDonald's food poisoning outbreak spreads to 10 states: ScienceAlert

One person has died and dozens have become ill as a result of serious illness E.coli The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers on Tuesday.

The outbreak, which began in late September, spans 10 western states, with most of the 49 cases concentrated in Colorado and Nebraska, the health agency said.

Shares of the fast food chain fell more than six percent in after-hours trading following the announcement.

Ten people were hospitalized, including a child with hemolytic uremic syndrome – a serious condition that damages the blood vessels in the kidneys.

“An elderly person in Colorado has died,” a CDC statement said.

All affected individuals carried the same strain E.coli and reported eating at McDonald's before their symptoms appeared, specifically recalling eating Quarter Pounders.

While investigators have not yet pinpointed the exact ingredient that caused the outbreak, they are focusing on onion slices and beef patties – both of which have been removed from restaurants in the affected states pending further investigation.

“Food safety is so important to me and everyone at McDonald's,” Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, said in a video message. “We have taken steps to proactively remove cut onions used in Quarter Pounders in select states.

“We have also decided to temporarily remove the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in select states.”

He added that the majority of states were not affected. Other menu items, including other beef products, remain available in affected states.

The agency advised those who consumed a Quarter Pounder and developed symptoms from it E.coli Poisoning – such as diarrhea, fever over 38.9°C and vomiting – seek medical attention.

Symptoms typically begin three to four days after exposure and most people recover within five to seven days without treatment. However, some cases can be serious and require hospitalization.

© Agence France Press