E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders Leads to One Death and Dozens Hospitalized

A severe E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers has claimed the life of one individual and left dozens sick across 10 western U.S. states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the outbreak, which began in late September 2024, has infected 49 people, with Colorado and Nebraska being the hardest hit.

The CDC has reported that ten people have been hospitalized, including a child who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that affects the kidneys by damaging blood vessels. Tragically, one older person in Colorado has died as a result of the outbreak.

All those affected carried the same strain of E. coli, with many recalling eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounders shortly before their symptoms began. While the CDC continues to investigate, McDonald’s has taken swift action, temporarily removing slivered onions and beef patties from restaurants in the affected states to mitigate further risk.

McDonald’s Response and Food Safety Measures

McDonald's USA President Joe Erlinger addressed the public in a video message, assuring customers that food safety is the company’s top priority. "We’ve proactively removed slivered onions and temporarily pulled the Quarter Pounder from menus in select states," he said.

While other menu items remain available, the company is focusing on ensuring the safety of its beef products and onions. Erlinger emphasized that most states are not affected, and McDonald's is cooperating fully with investigators to identify the source of the contamination.

What You Need to Know About E. Coli

E. coli is a bacteria that can cause severe foodborne illness. Symptoms of E. coli infection typically include diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. In more serious cases, such as with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), kidney failure may occur, particularly in children and older adults.

The CDC advises anyone who consumed a Quarter Pounder and experiences symptoms of E. coli, including diarrhea, fever above 102°F (38.9°C), and vomiting, to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms usually begin three to four days after exposure and can last up to a week. Although most individuals recover without treatment, some cases require hospitalization.

Investigation and Next Steps

Investigators are continuing to look into the source of the contamination, focusing on beef patties and slivered onions as potential culprits. These items have been removed from McDonald's locations in affected states, pending the results of the ongoing investigation.

For now, customers in those states will not be able to purchase Quarter Pounders until the company is confident that the issue has been resolved. Other beef products remain on the menu.

McDonald’s has reassured customers that it is committed to addressing the issue swiftly and ensuring that food safety protocols are strictly followed across all its locations.