The E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders in the United States sickened 75 people across 13 states, with 22 admitted to hospitals and one death, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) latest data.
Federal health officials are investigating the outbreak, which appears to be connected to either the onions or beef patties used in the Quarter Pounders. Most of the cases are in Colorado, but illnesses have also been reported in Michigan, New Mexico, Washington, and other states.
The CDC first reported 49 cases earlier this week, but the numbers have grown. Two patients developed a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, and the person who died had pre-existing health issues.
McDonald’s has pulled Quarter Pounders from about 20% of its stores and stopped using certain onions and beef patties in several states, including Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. One of McDonald’s suppliers, Taylor Farms, has also recalled yellow onions out of caution.
McDonald’s said that only the Quarter Pounders are affected. Other menu items remain available.
The FDA and state officials continue to investigate, taking onion samples and reviewing distribution records to confirm the exact source of contamination.
CDC said that the most recent illness started on October 10. It is not yet known which specific food ingredient is contaminated.