The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a new update regarding the link between E. coli infection and McDonald’s Quarter Pounders burgers.
CDC added that the number of hospitalizations is 25, the number of cases has risen to 90, and no new deaths have been reported. Previously, the health authorities at the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) reported that various beef patties samples had tested negative for E. coli. As of October 30, the CDC noted,
“Fresh, slivered onions served on Quarter Pounder burgers and other McDonald’s items are likely the source of the outbreak.”
CDC's new statement on slivered onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounders burgers as likely source of the E. Coli infection
The investigation into McDonald's Quarter Pounders burgers began on October 22, when the outbreak was announced. A spokesperson for McDonald's revealed in a press statement that all the burgers had been pulled out from the affected states and that McDonalds had stopped sourcing slivered onions from Taylor Farms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that more cases had been reported in the new statement. However, the authorities added that these individuals were infected before McDonald's and Taylor Farms removed silvered onions from the food locations. They added,
"Due to the product actions taken by both companies, CDC believes the risk to the public is very low."
Additionally, the new statement states that epidemiologic and traceback information shows slivered onions as a potential source of E. coli infection. They noted that since Taylor Farms and McDonald's retrieved the onions, the chances of them being on sale at the stores are very low.
The spokesperson for McDonald's released a press statement after beef patties were found negative for E. coli bacteria. The statement read,
"We are now confident in asking our beef suppliers to produce a new supply of fresh beef patties for the impacted areas. We will resume distribution of that fresh supply, and the Quarter Pounder is expected to be available in all restaurants in the coming week."
However, McDonald's will continue to ban the use of slivered onions in Quarter Pounders and other items until the investigation is complete.
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According to the health authorities, there have been no cases of E. coli infection after McDonald's and Taylor Farms removed onions from the food stores. CDC clarified that the newly reported cases involved people who had eaten the Quarter Pounder burgers before the decision was made. The health authorities have continued the investigation and have noted that the risk to the public is low.
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