The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched an investigation after several people were reported to have become ill from eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

On Tuesday, October 22, the CDC posted a food safety alert on its website confirming that it is investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders in 10 states. The CDC described the outbreak as “rapidly advancing.”

McDonald’s Quarter Pounders will temporarily not be available for purchase in some states, the CDC said, as infected people reported eating the burgers before becoming ill.

To date, 49 cases and 10 hospitalizations have been reported. One death has also been reported, according to the CDC.

Read on for more information on the recent outbreak.

McDonald’s E. coli outbreak 2024

The CDC posted an alert on its website on Oct. 22 confirming that an investigation is underway into a recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

Investigators have yet to determine which food ingredient on the McDonald’s menu is contaminated and have removed ingredients used in Quarter Pounders. The CDC said the burgers will not be available for purchase in states affected by the outbreak.

McDonald’s is working with investigators to find the ingredient that caused the outbreak.

“McDonald’s has stopped using fresh onion slices and quarter-pound beef patties in several states while the investigation to identify the disease-causing ingredient is ongoing,” the CDC said.

The fast food chain also released a statement about the contamination on October 22, calling the response “swift and decisive.”

“The initial results of the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be associated with onion chips used in the Quarter Pounder and purchased from a single supplier serving three distribution centers. As a result, and in accordance with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been directed to remove this product from their offerings and we have ceased distribution of all sliced ​​onions in the affected area,” McDonald’s said in part.

“We take food safety very seriously and it is the right thing to do,” the company added.

McDonald’s said other popular items that contain beef – such as the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and Double Cheeseburger – remain on the menu and are “unaffected.”

“We will continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are committed to providing timely updates as we restore our full menu,” the statement concluded.

CDC is investigating outbreak

The CDC has reported that 49 people have been affected by the outbreak.

“This outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses, and the actual number of people sickened is likely much higher than the reported number,” the CDC warned.

Ten people were hospitalized and one death was reported.

Which countries are affected by the outbreak?

The 10 states currently affected by the E. coli outbreak are Oregon, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.

According to the CDC website, Colorado has the most reported cases. One person also died there as a result of the outbreak.

In McDonald’s statement, the fast food chain noted that parts of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma were also affected.

E. Coli symptoms

According to the CDC, people infected with E. coli may experience symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, possibly bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Some may also suffer from serious kidney problems that result in hospitalization.

The center said symptoms typically begin three to four days after ingesting the bacteria and that recovery could take five to seven days.

The CDC warned those who have eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and have diarrhea and a fever over 102°F after more than three days to contact a doctor.

Vomiting and signs of dehydration, such as inability to urinate, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up, are also signs that you should seek medical attention.