Dead and dozens sick in US after eating ‘quarter pounder’ at McDonald’s

A total of at least 49 people have been infected with the same strain of the bacteria. Ten people had to be hospitalized. People have become ill, especially in Colorado (26 confirmed cases) and Nebraska (9), but a total of ten different states in the western US have reported infections. An elderly Colorado resident has died.

“All individuals interviewed stated that they had eaten at McDonald’s,” the CDC statement said. In addition, most patients had eaten a hamburger called the ‘Quarter Pounder’ in the US.

The CDC points out that the actual number of people infected is likely much higher than 49, because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E.coli.

Onions?

It is not yet clear which ingredient is responsible for the infections. An investigation has been launched by CDC. McDonald’s suspects that the cause lies in the onions used for the hamburger. The fast-food chain has withdrawn the ingredients unique to the Quarter Pounder – fresh onions and quarter-pound beef (about 113 grams) – in several states, and suspended sales of the burgers.

McDonald’s shares lost 8 percent on the New York stock exchange after the news was announced.