An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has sickened 49 people across 10 states, with one death and 10 hospitalizations, according to the CDC. The outbreak occurred between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, with Colorado reporting the most cases. One child is hospitalized with severe kidney complications. All affected individuals had eaten at McDonald’s, with most mentioning the Quarter Pounder. Federal and state health officials are investigating.
McDonald’s is facing more challenges in a tough year, as its shares dropped 9% after news of the E. coli outbreak. Earlier, the chain saw its global same-store sales decline for the first time in four years, with inflation driving customers to cheaper options. In response, McDonald’s introduced a $5 meal deal in June, though it doesn’t include the Quarter Pounder. The E. coli strain linked to the outbreak, O157:H7, causes around 74,000 infections annually in the U.S., with severe risks for young children, including kidney failure.
