Noir Nation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that a recent E. Coli outbreak has been linked to McDonald’s signature Quarter Pounder hamburgers leading to multiple hospitalizations and even one death!
According to CNBC News, there have been 49 cases reported in a total of 10 states between the dates of September 27 and October 11. Sources state that most of the cases have derived from Colorado and Nebraska. The CDC states that most of the people who have fallen ill are said to have eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder.
Reports read that one patient developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. The condition has the possibility of leading to kidney failure. An older customer from Colorado is said to have died due to the severity of the outbreak.
In response to the deadly E. Coli break, McDonald’s has declared that an ongoing investigation is underway and that they believe some of the illnesses may be linked to silvered onions. It has been indicated that the thinly shaped onions used in the Quarter Pounders are sourced by a single supplier who also directly works with three other distribution centers.
“Across the McDonald’s System, serving customers safely in every single restaurant, each and every day, is our top priority and something we’ll never compromise on,” says McDonald’s North America Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Piña in a forwarded statement.
“It is why we are taking swift and decisive action following an E. Coli outbreak in certain states. 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. 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.”
The CDC says the number of people affected by the outbreak is “likely much higher” than what has been reported at this time as it takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person has suffered from the outbreak . This is due to the fa t that many people recover from an E. coli without testing for it or seeking medical care.
Yahoo Finance reports one fifth of McDonald’s U.S locations have stopped selling Quarter Pounders, that is roughly 2,700 restaurants out of their 13,484 stores.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are also temporarily removing the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in the impacted area, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. We take food safety extremely seriously and it’s the right thing to do,” says Piña.
“Impacted restaurants are receiving a stock recovery notice today and should reach out to their field supply chain manager or distribution center with any questions.
“We are working in close partnership with our suppliers to replenish supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks (timing will vary by local market).
He adds, “In the meantime, all other menu items, including other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available. We will continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are committed to providing timely updates as we restore our full menu.”
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