McDonald’s E. coli outbreak hits 75 people in 13 states: NPR

An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s signature Quarter Pounder hamburger has sickened at least 75 people in 13 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday. One person died.

The number of illnesses is up from the 49 cases previously reported, and the number in the state has also increased by three.

At least 22 people have been hospitalized, two with serious complications that could lead to kidney failure after they may have eaten fresh onions in burgers supplied by California-based Taylor Farms. I developed a disease. The CDC previously reported 10 people were hospitalized.

The consumer is believed to have fallen ill between September 27th and October 10th.

Major food service distributor US Foods announced Thursday that Taylor Farms is recalling onions due to possible E. coli contamination. A US Foods spokeswoman said the wholesaler is not a supplier to McDonald’s.

The CDC says the number of people who have actually gotten sick is probably much higher and is currently not affected because not everyone who gets sick requires treatment and it takes longer for cases to be linked. The virus could spread beyond states known to be affected, he said. Further reporting could lead to an outbreak.

McDonald’s announced earlier this week that it would temporarily remove Quarter Pounders from menus in affected areas.

“We are working closely with our suppliers to replenish our supply of Quarter Pounders in the coming weeks,” North American Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Piña said in a statement Tuesday. “For the time being, all other menu items including other beef products (including cheeseburgers, hamburgers, Big Macs, Mac doubles and double cheeseburgers) are unaffected and available.”

Shares of the fast food giant were down 2.7% on Friday afternoon.