McDonald’s is removing its Quarter Pounder in various US states after being blamed for E Coli cases, which killed one and hospitalized 10 others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said there have been 49 E Coli cases stemming from eating the fast food chain ‘s Quarter Pounder, based on initial findings of the “fast-moving outbreak investigation.”
The fast food chain already removed the Quarter Pounder from stores in the impacted area, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
McDonald’s informed the CDC that it has stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in several states while investigators work on confirming the contaminated ingredient.
In a separate statement, McDonald’s said initial findings from an investigation identified the slivered onions, sourced from a single supplier that serves three distribution centres, may have caused the E Coli outbreak.
“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,” said Cesar Pina, McDonald’s North America chief supply chain officer.
Pina said McDonald’s is working with its suppliers to replenish supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks.
The company said its other menu items, including other beef products, are unaffected and available.
Customers who may have eaten the Quarter Pounder are advised to seek medical help if they are experiencing diarrhea and fever higher than 102°F, excessive vomiting, and signs of dehydration.