On Tuesday, McDonald’s shares dropped sharply in after-hours trading after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. According to reports, the incident has led to 10 hospitalizations and one death.
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The CDC reported that 49 cases have been reported across 10 states from September 27 to October 11, with most cases occurring in Colorado and Nebraska. The CDC also added that “the majority” of those who became ill had eaten McDonald’s Quarter Pounder before falling sick.
Among the patients, one person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome—a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. Notably, an elderly person in Colorado died from the outbreak.
Following the announcement, McDonald’s shares fell approximately 7% during after-hours trading on Tuesday, marking a significant shock for the fast-food giant.
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Swift Response from McDonald’s
In a statement on Tuesday, McDonald’s said it is taking “swift and decisive action” to address the E. coli outbreak in certain states.
The company noted that initial findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that some of the illnesses may be linked to slivered onions—or fresh onions sliced thinly—used in the Quarter Pounder. These onions were supplied by a single supplier serving three distribution centers.
McDonald’s instructed all local restaurants in the affected areas to remove slivered onions from their supply and paused the distribution of this ingredient in the region. As a result, McDonald’s announced that Quarter Pounder burgers will temporarily be unavailable in several western states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as parts of other states.
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However, McDonald’s emphasized that most states and menu items were unaffected by the outbreak. Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, appeared in a video to assure customers that the company’s other beef products, including cheeseburgers, hamburgers, Big Macs, McDoubles, and double cheeseburgers, were not affected as they use a different type of onion.
“We are working quickly to restore our full menu in these states as soon as possible,” Erlinger said. “I hope these steps demonstrate McDonald’s commitment to food safety.”
The Importance of the Quarter Pounder for McDonald’s
The Quarter Pounder is one of McDonald’s core menu items, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. In 2018, McDonald’s introduced fresh beef for its Quarter Pounders at most of its U.S. stores, creating a significant marketing boost and increase in sales.
Nevertheless, the CDC indicated that the number of people affected by the outbreak could be “much higher” than reported. The agency explained that many people may have recovered without being tested or seeking medical care, and it typically takes three to four weeks to determine if a patient is part of the outbreak.
E. coli is a group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of people and animals. However, some strains of the bacteria can cause illnesses ranging from mild to severe if someone consumes contaminated food or drinks polluted water.
Symptoms of E. coli, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, usually begin three to four days after ingesting the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after five to seven days, though in some cases, E. coli can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure.
Previous E. coli Incidents at McDonald’s
This is not the first time McDonald’s has faced an E. coli-related incident. In 2022, at least six children developed symptoms consistent with E. coli poisoning after eating Chicken McNuggets Happy Meals in Ashland, Alabama. Of those six children, four were hospitalized due to severe symptoms.
Although McDonald’s has experience dealing with food safety issues, this latest outbreak—tied to one of the company’s flagship products—has sparked public outrage and concern. With the sharp drop in stock prices, the fast-food giant now faces a serious trust crisis, which could significantly impact its business operations in the future.
McDonald’s is currently working to mitigate the situation and reaffirm its commitment to food safety as a top priority. However, the impact of this outbreak may have long-lasting effects, especially on the company’s image and reputation worldwide.
Conclusion
With the E. coli outbreak leading to multiple illnesses and a fatality, McDonald’s is facing a major crisis related to food safety. While the company has taken emergency steps to control the situation and prevent further contamination, the long-term effects on public perception and customer trust may take considerable time and effort to repair.
