Quarter Pounders Causing Illnesses
Insights into the rigorous inquiry surrounding the McDonald's E. coli outbreak incident
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning on Tuesday regarding a potential food safety issue with McDonald's Quarter Pounder sandwiches. Several people reported contracting an illness after consuming the sandwich.
As of now, the specific cause of the outbreak hasn't been identified, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspects that the slivered onions or beef patties used in Quarter Pounder sandwiches might be the culprits.
In response, McDonald's has halted the use of these affected ingredients in various states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as parts of other states, such as Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The CDC underlined that the suspected contaminated beef patties are exclusively used for Quarter Pounders, while slivered onions are primarily used in the Quarter Pounder and not for other menu items.
E. coli and Health Concerns
E. coli is a type of bacteria that can lead to health issues upon consumption. There are varieties of E. coli that can cause infections, which usually occur after ingesting contaminated food or water. Poor bathroom hygiene can also spread E. coli from person to person.
E. coli infections can result in symptoms like severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. The onset of these symptoms typically takes place three to four days after consuming the bacteria. Although many people recover without treatment within a week, elderly individuals, children younger than 5, and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk and might require hospitalization due to the development of serious kidney problems.
To date, at least 10 hospitalizations have resulted from the McDonald's outbreak, including a child diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication that can develop from E. coli infections. A fatality has also been reported among older individuals.
Most of the illnesses related to this outbreak occur in Colorado and Nebraska, according to the CDC, but the outbreak might extend beyond these states. Reports of illnesses have also surfaced in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The CDC advises individuals to consult a doctor if they've recently consumed a Quarter Pounder from McDonald's and are experiencing severe E. coli symptoms such as high fevers (102 degrees Fahrenheit or above) and diarrhea, particularly when it includes blood or persists for more than three days. In addition, individuals should be concerned if vomiting limits their liquid intake or if they exhibit signs of dehydration.
Fast-Paced Investigation
Determining if an illness is part of an outbreak can take weeks, but the CDC is reporting that the investigation related to the McDonald's outbreak is progressing "rapidly." New cases are being reported over time as scientists establish genetic links between the outbreak strain and the bacteria causing human infections.
The first-reported onset of illnesses related to the outbreak occurred between September 27 and October 11, according to CDC data. However, the start date of the outbreak might shift as further cases are uncovered. Outbreaks often conclude quickly once the contaminated food or ingredient is removed from the market, but thorough investigations are necessary to ensure that all potential channels of distribution have been identified and halted.
Changes at McDonald's
The president of McDonald's USA assured the public that it was safe to eat at McDonald's and that the problematic ingredients should be out of the supply chain at restaurants.
Quarter Pounder sandwiches will be temporarily removed from the menu in certain states while McDonald's works on making necessary supply changes, as per the CDC.
Despite acknowledging that the number of reported illnesses might rise as the CDC investigates and traces cases, McDonald's USA President Joe Erlinger expressed confidence that any contaminated products within the supply chain would have already been eliminated.
Serving customers safely in every single restaurant, every day, remains the top priority for McDonald's, as stated in a company notification.
The company also provides a fact sheet outlining its food safety protocols, including daily temperature checks, hourly handwashing for employees, and the practice of cooking Quarter Pounders to temperatures exceeding the FDA's recommended practices.
Increasing Foodborne Illness Cases
CDC data revealed that cases of foodborne illness are on the rise in the US. While specific illnesses, such as E. coli infections, have exceeded the government's objectives for reducing foodborne illness by 25%. The most common cause of foodborne illness, according to the CDC, is Camylobacter bacteria, with more than 19 cases reported for every 100,000 people. However, in 2023, these numbers surpassed five-year-old rates by 22% and stood twice as high as federal goals. E. coli infections are often linked to consuming raw or undercooked poultry, most notably causing diarrhea.
Salmonella infections haven't significantly risen in recent years, yet they were still responsible for roughly 14 instances of sickness for every 100,000 individuals in the US in 2023.
Listeria, on the other hand, only resulted in approximately 0.3 cases of illness for every 100,000 individuals in the US in 2023, as per data from the CDC. However, it's been connected to several major, fatal outbreaks this year.
Boar's Head initiated a recall in late July of over 7.2 million pounds of its ready-to-eat liverwurst and various other deli meat items, resulting in numerous hospitalizations and at least nine deaths. Additionally, a recall of approximately 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products manufactured by BrucePac has impacted schools, retailers, and restaurants across the nation.
CNN's Nadia Kounang, Carma Hassan, Brenda Goodman, and Meg Tirrell aided in compiling this report.
Public health agencies are urging individuals to closely monitor their health after consuming Quarter Pounder sandwiches from McDonald's, given the ongoing E. coli outbreak associated with the product. Prompt medical attention is advised for those experiencing severe symptoms, including high fevers, persistent diarrhea, and vomiting.
E. coli infections, when left untreated in vulnerable populations, can lead to serious complications like kidney problems and even fatalities. This underscores the importance of adhering to proper food safety guidelines to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
