1 person dead, 10 hospitalized, CDC says; fast-food chain has pulled Quarter Pounders from some restaurant menus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said late Tuesday it is investigating an outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald's Corp. Quarter Pounder burgers that has killed one person and hospitalized 10 people in 10 states.
After initially dropping more than 9% after hours, McDonald's shares (MCD) ended the extended session down 5.8%.
"Most sick people are reporting eating Quarter Pounder hamburgers from McDonald's and investigators are working quickly to confirm which food ingredient is contaminated," the CDC said.
At least 49 illnesses have been reported, mostly in Colorado and Nebraska, the CDC said.
In a statement, McDonald's said that initial findings point to a possible link to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers.
It did not name the supplier or the distribution centers. The chain said it was telling local restaurants to remove the product from their supply.
The company said that "out of abundance of caution" it temporarily has yanked Quarter Pounder burgers from restaurants in the impacted area, which includes Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
"We are working in close partnership with our suppliers to replenish supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks," with timing varying by local markets, the company said.
"We will continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are committed to providing timely updates as we restore our full menu," it said.
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According to the CDC, people infected with E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, with symptoms usually starting three to four days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after five to seven days.
Those who ate a McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburger and have severe E. coli symptoms should call their doctors, the CDC said.
Related: Why McDonald's will keep offering its $5 value meal into December
-Claudia Assis
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