24.10.2024 18:08
(Akt. 24.10.2024 18:08)
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50 coliform cases at McDonald’s in 10 states ©AP
A serious coliform outbreak at McDonald’s is causing concern in the United States.
Since the end of September, 49 illnesses have been reported in ten states, including one death in Colorado. The share price of the world’s largest fast food chain temporarily fell by over six percent in after-hours US trading on Tuesday.
Heavily affected states
Colorado and Nebraska are particularly hard hit, as the US health authority CDC reports. In Colorado, a child became so seriously ill that he had to be hospitalized for kidney failure. All patients had visited McDonald’s shortly before their symptoms appeared, and the majority had consumed the same burger. This will now be removed from the menu.
In sight: The “Quarter Pounder”
The focus of the investigation is the “Quarter Pounder”, the American version of the “Hamburger Royal”. McDonald’s reacted quickly and removed the burger from its range as a precaution. The onions are particularly suspected.
The CDC is currently investigating whether the onions or beef are responsible for the contamination. McDonald’s has temporarily removed the potentially contaminated ingredients from affected stores, while other beef products remain available.
The E. coli infection brings back memories of the outbreak at American fast food giant Chipotle in 2015, which led the company into a serious crisis.
The typical symptoms
Typical symptoms of an E.coli infection include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. The infection usually clears up after a few days, but in this case it was much more serious for some of those affected.
