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E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders: What You Need to Know
If you’re a fan of McDonald’s, there’s important news regarding their popular menu item, the Quarter Pounder.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert about an active E. coli outbreak investigation
affecting 12 states, which is being linked to this beloved sandwich.
So far, the Quarter Pounder has been implicated in a total of 49 illnesses, with 10 hospitalizations
and one reported death. The investigation is focused on determining the source of the contamination,
which may potentially involve either the beef patty or the slivered onions used in the sandwich.
As a precaution, McDonald’s locations in several states have temporarily halted the distribution of
Quarter Pounders. These states include Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, along with specific areas
in Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
E. coli bacteria can result in serious foodborne illnesses, with common symptoms being stomach cramps,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Certain populations, particularly young children, the elderly
(ages 65 and older), and individuals with compromised immune systems, may experience particularly severe
reactions. The last reported case linked to this outbreak occurred on October 11, 2024. If you’ve consumed
a Quarter Pounder recently and are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s crucial to
contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Though there are currently no recalls associated with this outbreak, EatingWell will remain vigilant in
providing updates on this multistate E. coli investigation.
For more information, you can read the original article on Eating Well.
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