McDonald’s E. Coli outbreak expands; 104 sick, 1 dead in 14 states

Federal and state food regulators continue to investigate an E. coli outbreak that caused a massive E. coli outbreak that killed one person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the impact on Nov. 13: At least 104 people in 14 states became ill, up from 90 people in 13 states two weeks ago. The number hospitalized increased to 34, up from 27.

The contamination is connected to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

Based on testing, authorities believe that slivered onions are the most likely source; a major onions supplier to McDonald’s and other restaurants, Taylor Farms, voluntarily initiated a recall.

The states with the highest illness counts: 30 in Colorado and 19 in Montana.

Five states have had six to 13 illnesses: Missouri, New Mexico, Nebraska, Utah and Wyoming.

Other states reporting illnesses: Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin.

The illnesses started Sept. 27. On Oct. 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 49 people were ill. That increased on Oct. 25. Of the 75 people infected at that time, 22 have been hospitalized and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause kidney failure. One person in Colorado has died.

McDonald’s stopped selling its Quarter Pounders in affected states and then resumed once tests provided no reason to suspect the beef. The company is cooperating with the investigation, which also involves the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture and state partners.

About one-fourth of the food recalls in 2023 involved bacteria contamination from E. coli, salmonella or listeria, a U.S. PIRG Education Fund analysis found.

The CDC says anyone who ate a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburger and is suffering from severe digestive issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting or signs of dehydration, should contact a medical professional and/or their county health department to report the incident.  

The vast majority of contamination from salmonella, listeria and E. coli stems from poor sanitation practices. Often, crops are grown too close to farms where animals live and contaminate the soil and runoff with feces. Other times, it could be that someone handling the food didn’t wash their hands or the products aren’t processed properly.

See our consumer guide:  How to find out about food recalls