The recent E. coli outbreak associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers has escalated, affecting 75 people across 13 states, with new cases emerging in Michigan, New Mexico and Washington.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture confirmed that McDonald’s beef patties tested negative for E. coli, and the source of contamination is suspected to be slivered yellow onions supplied by Taylor Farms. Taylor Farms initiated a recall, instructing restaurants to pull affected products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes the risk to the public is now low.
However, the outbreak has led to several lawsuits, including a class action suit filed in Chicago seeking damages for affected consumers. McDonald’s temporarily halted Quarter Pounder sales at some locations but has started to reintroduce the item. The outbreak has led to 22 hospitalizations, a child experiencing complications and one reported death in Colorado.
