Food Safety: McDonald’s E. coli infection toll rises to 90 consumers sickened, 27 hospitalised with one dead

*About 90 consumers have become ill, 27 hospitalised, while a person has died from the strain of E. coli, linked to onions served at McDonald’s, with the disease spreading across 13 states, including Colorado, Montana and Oregon, in the United States

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

At least 90 consumers have become ill, 27 have been hospitalised, while a person has died from the strain of E. coli, linked to onions served at McDonald’s, health officials said.

ConsumerConnect learnt there are yet more consumers that have got sick and hospitalised from the deadly germ E. Coli after eating at McDonald’s.

The figures shop up from 75 sicknesses and 22 hospitalisations on Oct. 25, suggesting more cases have yet to be reported, agency report said.

E. coli linked to McDonald’s burgers has sickened people in 13 states, including Colorado, Montana and Oregon in the United States (US).

Illnesses by the affected consumers started between September 27 and October 16, 2024, officials said.

McDonald’s restaurants in affected states stopped selling the Quarter Pounder October 22.

Colorado and Montana have suffered the highest case counts, with between 16 to 29 cases each, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

See the 13 states with E. coli cases linked to slivered onions served at McDonald’s.

The source of the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak

Health officials said slivered onions, part of a October 22 yellow onion recall by McDonald’s-supplier Taylor Farms, are the likely culprit.

Diced onions haven’t been linked to the E. coli outbreak.

Testing on McDonald’s beef patties by the Colorado Department of Agriculture has also came up negative for E. coli, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The FDA said it is inspecting Taylor Farms’s food processing plant in Colorado and a separate, unnamed onion grower in Washington state.

A breakdown of E. coli:

Types

Harmless E. coli: These strains live in our intestines and help with digestion.

Pathogenic E. coli: These strains can cause various illnesses, including:

Diarrhea: This can range from mild and watery to severe and bloody.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): E. coli is a common cause of UTIs.

Respiratory illness: E. coli can sometimes cause pneumonia or other respiratory infections.

Other illnesses: In rare cases, E. coli can cause more serious conditions like kidney failure or meningitis.

Transmission

Foodborne: Contaminated food, particularly undercooked meat and raw vegetables, is a common source of E. coli infection.

Waterborne: Drinking contaminated water can also lead to infection.

Person-to-person: E. coli can spread through poor hygiene, such as not washing hands properly after using the bathroom.

Animal contact: Contact with animals or their feces can also transmit E. coli.

Symptoms

Symptoms of E. coli infection vary depending on the strain and the type of illness. Common symptoms include:

Diarrhea

Stomach cramps

Nausea and vomiting

Fever

Fatigue

Prevention

Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.

Cook food thoroughly: Ensure meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Wash fruits and vegetables: Wash produce thoroughly before eating.

Avoid raw milk and unpasteurised juices: These products can harbor harmful bacteria.

Be cautious when swimming: Avoid swallowing water in pools, lakes, or other bodies of water.

Treatment

Most E. coli infections resolve on their own without treatment. However, staying hydrated is crucial, especially in cases of diarrhea.

In severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary.

If you suspect you have an E. coli infection, it’s essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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