E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders

A recent E. coli outbreak associated with McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers has resulted in one fatality and 49 illnesses. As a response, McDonald's has suspended sales of the Quarter Pounder at locations across several states, predominantly in the Mountain West, and has removed slivered onions from sandwiches in those areas. This is part of ongoing investigations to identify the contaminated ingredient. The outbreak, described as rapidly evolving, has spread across 10 states, with most cases in Colorado and Nebraska, where one death has occurred. A child remains hospitalized with complications. Many affected individuals reported eating at McDonald's, primarily consuming Quarter Pounders. Investigators are also assessing if possibly contaminated beef was distributed to other retail outlets.