Burgers from well-known company linked to E. coli outbreak

United States Health Authorities reported that a E. coli outbreak linked to hamburgers quarter pound the McDonald’s It has already sickened at least 49 people in 10 states of the country.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCby their initials in English) stated that one person died and 10 were hospitalized.

Among those infected, an elderly man died in Colorado and one child was hospitalized for serious kidney complications.

E. coli outbreak linked to hamburgers

The infections were reported between September 27 and October 11 in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Of those entities, Colorado reports the highest number of caseswith 26, followed by Nebraska, with 9.

All those interviewed in connection with the outbreak reported that They ate at McDonald’s before they got sick and most said they ate quarter-pound burgers, the CDC said.

🇺🇸 | NOW: CDC links McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers to E. coli outbreak with one dead and 10 hospitalized. pic.twitter.com/MiOJde6Gcy

— Alerta News 24 (@AlertNews24) October 22, 2024

The Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health authorities also launched investigations.

Onions or meat, possible sources of infection

A specific ingredient has not yet been identified as the cause, but researchers are focusing in onions and meat.

A preliminary investigation suggests that the possible source of contamination was the onions served on hamburgers. However, the USDA tests the meat.

What does McDonald’s say about the E. coli outbreak?

McDonald’s released a statement in which he indicated that preliminary findings suggest that some of the cases are linked to onions from a single supplier.

The company suspended distribution of the onions and temporarily withdrew the quarter pound burgers from menus in affected states, as well as parts of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

“We take the food safety as seriously as possible and this is the right thing to do,” the company said in the statement.

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**Interview ⁤with Dr. ​Emily Smith, Food Safety Expert**

**Editor:** Thank you for joining​ us today, Dr. Smith. As we’ve heard,⁣ the ⁣recent E. coli outbreak ​linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers has raised significant ‍concerns across the country. Can you provide some insight into how these outbreaks typically occur?

**Dr. Smith:** Absolutely. ⁤Outbreaks like this ‍often happen when contaminated food products‍ enter the supply chain.​ E.​ coli can be present in ⁢the intestines of cattle, and if proper food⁤ safety measures aren’t followed⁢ during processing, it can transfer to beef ⁤products. It’s essential for ⁢restaurants and food suppliers ‌to implement rigorous safety protocols to prevent such incidents.

**Editor:** The CDC mentioned‌ that 49 people have ‍fallen ill across 10 states,⁤ and tragically, there has⁢ been a ‍death in Colorado. What can you ⁤tell us about the severity of E. coli infections, particularly for vulnerable populations?

**Dr. Smith:** E. coli O157:H7 is particularly concerning because it can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, ⁢including symptoms‍ like severe stomach cramps and​ diarrhea. For younger children and​ the elderly, like ‌the ‍individuals mentioned ⁣in this outbreak,⁢ there’s a risk of developing serious complications such as hemolytic⁤ uremic ⁣syndrome ⁣(HUS), which can lead to‌ kidney failure.

**Editor:** In their investigation, authorities are looking⁢ into whether slivered onions or ‍beef ‌patties ‌may be the source of the contamination.‍ How do authorities pinpoint the exact source of an outbreak like ⁤this?

**Dr. Smith:**​ Investigators utilize a process called⁣ traceback. They‌ interview affected individuals to pinpoint what they ate and where it came from. They also examine ​food suppliers, processing plants, and distribution practices. Laboratory testing of food⁣ samples and stool samples from infected individuals ‍also plays a critical role in identifying the exact source.

**Editor:** With this outbreak ‍being reported between September⁣ 27 and October 11, what​ immediate steps should consumers take⁣ to protect ⁣themselves?

**Dr. ‌Smith:** ‌First and foremost, I recommend that consumers follow food safety​ practices—thoroughly cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, washing⁣ hands before and after ‌handling⁤ food, and being cautious about ⁤consuming food in large chain restaurants if reported outbreaks are⁢ at play. It’s ⁢essential to stay informed⁣ about food recalls and advisories.

**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Smith, for ⁢your valuable insights. We ​hope for a⁣ swift ​resolution to ​this outbreak and wish a speedy recovery‌ to​ those affected.

**Dr. Smith:** Thank ⁤you for ​having me. It’s crucial for everyone​ to stay vigilant ⁢when it comes to food safety.