E. Coli Hits McDonald’s, 49 Hospitalized: Onions and Beef at the Center of Investigation

The recent E. coli outbreaks across the U.S. have prompted nationwide concern. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed cases in 10 states, with one death and 49 people hospitalized.

A troubling aspect of the outbreak is the detection of the E. coli strain O157:H7 in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, the same deadly strain linked to the 1993 Jack in the Box incident, which caused the deaths of four children. All victims in the current outbreak reported consuming McDonald’s hamburgers, with most eating the Quarter Pounder. The CDC is actively investigating potential sources of contamination, focusing on ingredients like onions and beef patties, though no definitive cause has been identified yet. Colorado and Nebraska have seen an exceptionally high number of cases. The agency is working to contain the spread of the disease and prevent further infections.

In response, McDonald’s announced the temporary removal of the Quarter Pounder from menus in the 10 affected states and is recalling the beef patties and onions under investigation. The company is conducting its own internal review to identify the source of the contamination.

Cesar Pina, McDonald’s Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer for North America, noted that initial investigations suggest that the onions supplied to three distribution centers may have been the source of the outbreak.

Food safety attorney Bill Marler, who represented victims of the 1993 Jack in the Box incident, also pointed to onions as the likely culprit, citing their frequent role in past E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks. While he acknowledged the possibility of contaminated onions, he downplayed the likelihood that beef patties were to blame, noting that stringent food safety protocols are already in place. The outbreak has affected McDonald’s stock, which fell 6% in after-hours trading as the investigation unfolds. This incident is expected to amplify food safety awareness and prompt closer scrutiny of ingredient handling.