By Brian Myers | Published
McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers, particularly the sliced onions and quarter-pound beef patties used at the popular fast food chain, have been linked to an outbreak of E. coli that has been reported in nine states and affected at least 50 people. . One death has been attributed to the bacterial outbreak, with the majority of cases reported in the state of Colorado. The Centers for Disease Control is currently investigating the franchise’s ingredient supply chain to determine the source of the contamination.
The danger of E. Coli
There are many strains of E. coli and most of them are harmless to humans. However, the particular strain of bacteria found in McDonald’s hamburgers, O157:H7, can be particularly dangerous. The bacteria releases a toxin into the bloodstream that damages the intestinal lining, leading to bloody stools in the affected person. In many cases, symptoms become visible between two and five days after ingesting the contaminated food or drink and persist for up to seven days thereafter.
These symptoms range from mild to severe and include dehydration, fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and fatigue. The worst cases include damage to the blood cells of the kidneys due to the development of a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. This can lead to kidney failure and possibly death.
The McDonald’s hamburger, the alleged culprit, is one of the chain’s most recognizable menu items. The CDC revealed that people surveyed after testing positive for E. coli poisoning ate a quarter pound. It’s important to know that while the CDC tests the beef patties used for this specific sandwich for the bacteria, the federal agency believes it was the sliced onions used on the burger that transmitted the contamination.
However, since beef patties are also known to contain E. coli, no one is taking any chances. McDonald’s burger patties are being tested as a precaution and have been removed from stores. The contaminated sliced onions were short, julienned slices and not the diced ones used for other sandwiches.
McDonald’s has temporarily stopped selling Quarter Pounder burgers and sliced onions in all affected states, but continues to sell its other burgers. In addition to Colorado, the staple item has been pulled from stores in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Nevada, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Montana and Missouri.
A widespread problem
E. coli bacteria is usually not serious enough to cause death or even hospitalization. The majority of those affected recover on their own without any treatment, leading some to speculate that there may be many more cases in the McDonald’s burger outbreak than reported numbers show. However, the CDC and Food and Drug Administration warn that anyone who recently ate a quarter-pound of McDonald’s and became seriously ill should seek medical attention.
Additionally, the CDC said anyone who may have further questions about the E. coli from the McDonald’s hamburger can contact the Department of Health of the state in which she lives.