E. coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders Results in One Death and Multiple Illnesses Across the U.S.

Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 26-10-2024

Health authorities in the United States are investigating an E. coli outbreak connected to McDonald’s quarter pounder hamburgers, which has left one person dead and at least 49 others sick across several states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that most of the affected individuals consumed the quarter pounder before falling ill.

The outbreak has been most heavily concentrated in Colorado and Nebraska, with people in a total of 10 states reporting infections. However, the CDC has not yet pinpointed the specific ingredient responsible for the contamination.

McDonald’s is actively working with health officials to uncover the source of the outbreak. In response to the ongoing investigation, the company has temporarily halted the use of fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in certain states, aiming to prevent further cases of illness. The fast-food chain made these precautionary changes while the investigation continues to determine the exact cause.

In a statement, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger emphasized that the company’s commitment to food safety remains a top priority. “Food safety is incredibly important to me and everyone at McDonald’s,” Erlinger said in a video address. He explained that although only a portion of their menu and locations are affected, the company has chosen to suspend sales of quarter pounders in select states and remove slivered onions from the ingredient list until the matter is resolved.

As news of the outbreak broke, McDonald’s shares plummeted by nearly 9% in after-hours trading. Despite the financial hit, Erlinger reassured customers that McDonald’s would continue to take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of its food, promising ongoing updates on the investigation’s progress.

This outbreak comes during a particularly challenging time for McDonald’s, which has faced several business hurdles in recent months. In July, the company reported its first decline in same-store sales in nearly four years, a downturn attributed to various factors including rising inflation and customer backlash over its perceived support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.

Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s CEO, warned earlier this month that 2025 is expected to bring further difficulties as economic pressures continue to affect its lower-income customer base. The recent health scare only adds to the company’s list of challenges as it seeks to rebuild consumer trust while navigating both public health and financial difficulties.