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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday that
The number of people infected in the E. coli epidemic rose to 75, the infection being linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers.
This is a significant increase from the 49 cases previously reported.
According to the data of the health supervision out of the 61 known cases, 22 people had to be hospitalized. Two of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can even cause kidney failure. The E. coli O157:H7 strain, which also caused the death of one person, it can be especially dangerous for the elderly, children and immunocompromised people.
In response to the situation, McDonald’s temporarily suspended serving the Quarter Pounder at one-fifth of the affected US restaurants. According to initial findings from the company and the FDA
the probable source of the outbreak was the sliced onion used in the hamburger,
which came from a single supplier, Taylor Farms.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, although onions are the main suspect, samples taken from the beef used for hamburgers are also tested for E. coli bacteria.
The outbreak has so far affected 13 states, including Colorado, where 26 infections have been reported. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, due to actions taken by McDonald’s and Taylor Farms the risk to the population is currently very low.
Other major American fast food chains, such as Taco Bell and Burger King, have also taken precautions and removed fresh onions from their menus.
These restaurants also sourced their onions from Taylor Farms.
The epidemic also affected McDonald’s shares, which fell 2% in intraday trading. Assessing the situation, BTIG analyst Peter Saleh stated:
We still believe that further contagion is possible in the short term, and the biggest risk for the investor is the continuous flow of negative news.
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Source: Reuters
Cover image source: Shutterstock
