McDonald’s quarter pounders are currently being researched due to an E. Coli outbreak causing people around the U.S. to get sick. This outbreak was first reported on October 22, 2024; slivered onions are suspected to be the source of these infections. This E. Coli outbreak is very intense due to how many people eat at McDonald’s every day. It is a very popular restaurant in America, so this could lead to an even bigger outbreak across the world.
As of October 31, 2024, there have been 90 reported cases of food poisoning due to eating McDonald’s quarter pounders. These 90 cases have been reported in 13 states linked to the deadly E. Coli strain. The C.D.C. has reported this outbreak to cause 27 hospitalizations and one death in Colorado. Some have even developed serious kidney problems that require hospitalization. It is important to stay updated on this outbreak so you know if you will be affected or not. “I stay updated on this outbreak from the news,” says Mrs. Reedy.
The C.D.C. states that the number of cases “may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported”. This outbreak was first reported in Colorado, which is also where there are the most reported illnesses, with 29 people falling ill. Montana has 17 reported cases, being the second highest reported cases in a state, followed by Nebraska, where 12 people have gotten sick from E. Coli. There are no cases in Virginia or any of the surrounding states. Although it is very likely this could easily spread to other foods at McDonald’s due to cross contamination, so far other food items have not impacted. The C.D.C. has even confirmed that since only the slivered onions were contaminated, McDonald’s has resumed its sale of quarter pounders in impacted restaurants.
Some people have made the decision to stop eating at McDonald’s due to this outbreak, and others have decided to still eat there and avoid the onions. This outbreak first began around 3 weeks ago. Both Greyson Keaveney (10) and Mrs. Reedy stated “Yes, I have eaten at McDonald’s in the last 3 weeks”. Luckily, no one locally has been affected by this serious outbreak, it is mostly in the northeastern states. Mrs. Reedy says, “Thankfully, no one that I know has been affected by this!” Mrs. Reedy also said that she sticks to eating chicken from McDonald’s, rather than having a burger. Greyson Keaveney (10) on the other hand says, “Yes, I usually get a burger from there; I get the 2-cheeseburger meal.” Based on his previous response, Greyson (10) also states, “No, this has not affected my decision to eat there- I ate it the other day.”
Although this case has ended, it does not mean it couldn’t happen again. It is important to be careful when choosing what to eat. You would know if you had been affected around 3-4 days after coming in contact, and symptoms could last up to 2 weeks. McDonald’s has already announced that the Quarter Pounder will be back on their menu again at hundreds of restaurants.
