1 Death and 75 people falling ill after eating McD Burgers, This is the first estimate

Jakarta –

One person died and dozens of customers of the famous fast food restaurant, McDonald’s in the United States became ill. According to the latest report, a total of 75 people are being treated after being identified as eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers contaminated with E coli bacteria. Three days ago, the government had only identified about 40 people.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BPOM AS) confirmed one death related to the outbreak, on Tuesday (22/10/2024). At the same time, 22 people have been hospitalized, and two have hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious health problem that can lead to kidney failure.

The customer who died was an elderly man from Colorado, not one of the people who experienced HUS, according to the US BPOM announcement.

Federal health officials warned the public about the outbreak on Tuesday. McDonald’s immediately pulled the product from about a fifth of its 13,000 US outlets, including restaurants in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska , Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

The illness began to be reported on September 27, with the last case recorded on October 10, according to health officials.

“McDonald’s sold approximately 1 million quarter pounds during the period when the illness occurred,” said a restaurant spokesperson, adding that the fast food chain believes that more people would have become ill if the contamination from the patties themselves, adding to the onions that used to be the burgers.

McDonald’s burgers are cooked at 175 degrees, above the 160 degree level required to kill E. coli bacteria, while onions are cut raw, the spokesperson said.

“If that was the source, this is the first time that onions have been carrying this type of E. coli,” said the spokesman.

The onion supplier to the affected McDonald’s locations is California-based agricultural giant Taylor Farms, which initiated the onion recall.

In a statement Friday, McDonald’s reiterated that it was removing the thinly sliced ​​onions from the facility.

“Due to widespread concerns and our unwavering commitment to food safety, we have decided to cease receiving onions from the Taylor Farms facility in Colorado Springs indefinitely,” McDonald’s said.

“As a reminder, all other menus are unaffected, including other beef products (including Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and Double Cheeseburger),” he said. .

Of the people who reported to the CDC that they were sick after eating at McDonald’s, almost all said they had eaten a beef hamburger, with most citing a quarter pound there Some of those infected said they had traveled to other states before becoming ill, with at least three eating at McDonald’s on their trip.

Investigators are continuing to try to determine whether the E. coli outbreak was caused by the sliced ​​onions or beef in the burgers. Preliminary findings reviewed by the US BPOM indicate that sliced ​​onions are the most likely source of contamination on the McDonald’s menu. They are also trying to find out if the onions are served or sold at other businesses.

“As a family business, we are proud to provide fresh, safe, healthy food to people every day. We are saddened to see the illnesses and the individuals and families affected by our out E. coli O157:H7 is currently affected,” a Taylor Farms spokesperson told CBS News via email, referring to a specific type of bacteria that is causing the current epidemic.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and their families affected by this. Our priority remains the health and safety of our customers. We have recalled onions from our Taylor Farms Colorado facility that were shipped to some food service customers,” he said.

The company is working with the CDC and FDA to determine the source of the E. coli outbreak, the spokesperson said.

The possible contamination prompted Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell and other major fast food chains to recall fresh onions from some of their locations, although the restaurants stressed that they had any sign of the illness.

Next: Symptoms of E. coli

It usually takes three to four weeks to determine whether people have become ill as a result of an outbreak. Those infected with E. coli usually experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Most people recover without treatment after five to seven days.

Nevertheless, check immediately at the nearest health facility when the symptoms develop as follows:

• Diarrhea and fever for more than 3 days, without improvement.
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting so much that he can’t keep the liquid down

Symptoms of dehydration, such as:

• Less urination
• Dry mouth and throat
• Feeling dizzy when you stand

(naf/kna)