McDonald's Hamburgers Responsible for Outbreak of E. Coli Nationally
Posted by Brian Myers | Published
McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers, specifically the onion and quarter pounder patties used by the popular fast food chain, have been linked to outbreaks of E. coli has been reported in as many as nine states and has affected at least 50 people. . One death has been attributed to the outbreak, the largest number of reported cases in the state of Colorado. The Centers for Disease Control is currently investigating the franchise's ingredient supply chain to determine where the contamination is coming from.
The danger of E. Coli
There are many types of E. coli, and most of them are harmless to humans. However, a particular type of bacteria found in McDonald's hamburgers, O157:H7, can be very dangerous. The bacteria release toxins into the bloodstream that damage the intestinal lining, resulting in the affected person passing bloody stools. In most cases, symptoms will appear within two to five days after the contaminated food or drink is consumed and persist for up to seven days thereafter.
These symptoms range from mild to severe and include dehydration, fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and fatigue. More serious conditions include damage to the blood cells inside the kidneys as a result of developing a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. This can lead to kidney failure and possibly death.
McDonald's hamburger, the alleged culprit, is one of the most visible menu items. The CDC reported that people interviewed after testing positive for E. coli had eaten a Quarter Pounder. It is important to know that, while the CDC is testing the beef patties used in this specific sandwich for bacteria, the federal agency believes that the sliced onions used in the burger are transmitting the contamination.
However, since beef patties are also known to carry E. coli, no one is taking any chances. McDonald's burger patties are tested as a precautionary measure and removed from stores. The charred onions that were dirty were short, julienne cut pieces and not the diced ones used in other sandwiches.
McDonald's has temporarily stopped selling any Quarter Pounder hamburgers and chopped onions in all affected states, but continues to sell some of its hamburgers. In addition to Colorado, the staple was removed from stores in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Nevada, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Missouri.
A Widespread Problem
The bacteria E. coli is usually not severe enough to cause death or even hospitalization. Most affected people recover on their own without any treatment, leading some to speculate that there may be a higher number of cases in the McDonald's hamburger outbreak than the reported numbers indicate. However, the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration warn that anyone who has recently eaten a McDonald's Quarter Pounder and becomes seriously ill should see a medical provider.
Additionally, the CDC said anyone who may have additional questions about the McDonald's hamburger E. coli outbreak can contact their state's Department of Health.
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