An outbreak of deadly E. coli linked to chopped onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers has sickened 104 people in 14 states, federal health officials said in an update Wednesday.
At least 34 people have been hospitalized, and four have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. An 88-year-old man who lived in grand junctionColorado, died, as previously reported. According to this, the illnesses began in late September and the most recent onset of illness occurred on October 21. To U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In late October McDonald's said its Quarter Pounders – without chopped onions – would return to the menus of hundreds of its affected restaurants after testing ruled out beef patties as the source of the outbreak.
The hamburger chain then pulled the burger from restaurants in several states. outbreak declared,
FDA and Colorado officials have collected onion and environmental samples from McDonald's stores and distribution centers. A sample of the recalled onions tested positive for E. coli, but it did not match the outbreak strain.
Onion supplier Taylor Farms recalled yellow onions in the wake of the outbreak, and McDonald's has re-introduced chopped onions from a different supplier.
“There do not appear to be any ongoing food safety concerns related to this outbreak at McDonald's restaurants,” the FDA said.
It usually takes three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak. Most people infected with toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Most people recover without treatment after five to seven days.
People are advised to call their health care provider if they eat a McDonald's Quarter Pounder and become seriously ill. E. coli symptoms,