One person has died, and 90 others have become ill across 13 states due to an E. coli outbreak linked to the raw onions in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, according to the CDC.
Updated: 10/30/2024 Multi-State E. coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders
A multi-state E. coli O157 outbreak tied to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has affected 90 people across several states, with the most recorded cases being in Colorado. At least 27 hospitalizations and one death were reported as of October 30, 2024. Federal agencies, including the FDA, CDC, and USDA, are actively investigating slivered onions and beef patties used in the burgers as possible sources of contamination. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept 27, 2024, to October 11, 2024
- Investigation start date: October 22, 2024
- Investigation status: Open
- Recall issued: Yes
- Number of people infected: At least 90 people in 13 states
- Number of Deaths: One Grand Junction Man
- Symptoms: E. coli infections typically cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some infections can be life-threatening.
- States affected: Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
- Source: While the investigation is ongoing, McDonald’s officials said that Taylor Farms of Salinas, California, is the source of the contamination.
- McDonald’s response: McDonald’s has stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in several states while the investigation continues. They have also removed Quarter Pounders from the menu in about 20% of their U.S. stores.
Updated: 10/30/2024 McDonald's E. Coli Outbreak Map
This map shows where the 90 people in this E. coli outbreak lived.
Were You or Someone You Know Seriously Affected?
Who Died In the McDonald’s E. coli Outbreak
McDonald's Response: Precautionary Measures
McDonald’s Response and Precautionary Measures In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s has suspended the use of slivered onions and specific beef patties in affected states to prevent further cases. The company has reassured customers that other ingredients, such as diced onions and alternative beef products, remain safe for consumption. Ongoing investigations by the FDA and CDC aim to identify the contaminated ingredient and prevent additional illnesses.
Source Confirmed: McDonald's E. coli Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that Taylor Farms, a California-based produce supplier, is the source of the recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers.
Investigations by the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the outbreak to slivered onions supplied by Taylor Farms to McDonald’s restaurants. While Taylor Farms initially recalled whole and diced onions from its Colorado facility, McDonald’s has confirmed that the contaminated onions originated from a different Taylor Farms facility.
McDonald's E. coli Outbreak: When people got sick
Recent illnesses may not be reported yet, as it typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to confirm if someone is part of an outbreak. The actual number of cases is likely higher since many recover without medical treatment and aren’t tested for E. coli.
McDonald's E. Coli Outbreak: Number of Sick by State
| State of Residence | Number of Sick People |
|---|---|
| CO | 29 |
| MT | 17 |
| WY | 5 |
| KS | 1 |
| IA | 1 |
| MO | 8 |
| MI | 2 |
| NE | 12 |
| NM | 5 |
| OR | 1 |
| UT | 7 |
| WA | 1 |
| WI | 1 |
The McDonald's E. Coli Outbreak What You Should Do If Experiencing Symptoms
- Seek immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or urgent care, describe your symptoms, and mention possible food contamination.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids like water and clear broths to avoid dehydration.
- Monitor your symptoms and seek further medical help if they worsen.
- Keep detailed records of your symptoms, food consumption, and medical treatment.
- Contact a foodborne illness attorney like Ramos Law to understand your legal rights.
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
Legal Precedents: Foodborne Illness Lawsuits and Settlements
Historically, major foodborne illness outbreaks have led to significant legal action. One of the most prominent cases was the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak, which resulted in over $15 million in settlements for victims who suffered serious illness or death. In similar lawsuits, victims of foodborne illnesses can seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and long-term health consequences.
McDonald’s E. coli Lawsuits filed
A Greeley, Colorado man is the latest victim in the multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. He fell ill after eating at the McDonald’s located at 2912 W. 10th St. in Greeley on October 4th, 2024. He experienced severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloody stools, and was hospitalized at UCHealth in West Greeley.
E. coli Symptoms: Understanding Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
The strain of E. coli responsible for this outbreak produces Shiga toxin, which can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that causes kidney failure. HUS is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Early symptoms of E. coli infection include severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, the infection can progress rapidly, potentially resulting in serious complications like HUS. Timely medical intervention is critical for preventing the progression of the illness.
How Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Are Investigated
When outbreaks like this occur, the CDC, FDA, and other health agencies work together to trace the contamination source. This includes interviews with affected individuals, lab testing of food samples, and inspections of food suppliers. Investigators map out supply chains and distribution routes to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. If a particular ingredient is identified as the contamination source, a recall is often issued to remove the product from shelves and restaurants.
What Next: If You’ve Been Seriously Injured
At Ramos Law, our team of personal injury attorneys specializes in foodborne illness cases. We can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your medical bills, suffering, and any long-term health impacts resulting from the outbreak. Contact us today for a free consultation and legal guidance.
For more information on the outbreak, visit the CDC’s outbreak page or the FDA’s investigation page.
Using a Litigation Attorney for Food Poisoning Injuries
If you experience food poisoning after eating at a restaurant, you might consider contacting a litigation attorney to determine if you have legal recourse.
E. COLI OUTBREAK UPDATE: Today, CDC added a list of states where McDonald’s has removed slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties from its stores. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept 27, 2024, to October 11, 2024. Call your healthcare provider if you have severe E.… pic.twitter.com/pIaG4ZVeth
— CDC (@CDCgov) October 23, 2024
⚠️@US_FDA, @USDAFoodSafety, @CDCgov, & state partners continue to work quickly & collaboratively to investigate & identify source of illnesses linked to E. coli in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, using all available tools to confirm if onions are the source.https://t.co/5rIkpAwI3D pic.twitter.com/PIr6kyOxYL
— U.S. FDA Human Foods Program (@FDAfood) October 25, 2024