McDonald’s has taken its Quarter Pounder (QP) off the menu in some regions following a spate of E.coli incidents. The problem is spread across a number of states and affects all age groups from children to the elderly. The CDC says the source has not been identified…
Such incidents and associated recalls don’t always make the major news networks or wire services. But when it’s this big, and it involves McDonald’s, everybody jumps on it. I first learned about the situation early this morning from CNN…
Source unknown – as yet
The latest CDC advisory at the time I’m writing this says the ingredient(s) responsible for the E.coli contamination had not yet been identified. But I have a theory…
QP fans and followers of this blog will know that McDonald’s – with justifiable pride – announced some time back it’s famous Quarter Pounder would henceforth be made from fresh, never frozen beef. And ground meat has traditionally been a focal point of E.coli issues. But CDC said slivered Onions were also looking like a candidate for the culprit, too. We’ll let you know…
The lowdown…
CDC’s key points you should know include:
- 49 people from 10 states have gotten sick from the same strain of E. coli O157:H7. Most sick people are from Colorado (26) or Nebraska (9).
- 10 people have been hospitalized. One older person in Colorado has died. Additionally, one child is hospitalized with complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS.
- Everyone interviewed has reported eating at McDonald’s before their illness started, and most specifically mentioned eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger.
- The specific ingredient linked to illness has not yet been identified, but investigators are focused on two ingredients in particular: fresh slivered onions, and fresh beef patties.
‘Swift and decisive action’
McDonald’s responded to he E.coli reports with what it called ‘swift and decisive action: “The initial findings from the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers” an internal corporate statement dated Octoober 22, 2024, from from McD’s North America Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Piña states.
“As a result, and in line with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply and we have paused the distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area.”
My take
The CDC official alert says folks who have eaten a Quarter Pounder recently within the affected areas and have severe E. coli symptoms: should contact their healthcare provider and seek treatment.
McDonald’s identifies the effected regions as, “including Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.”
We’ll keep a close eye on this situation as it develops…
~ Maggie J.