Debosmita Ghosh • 15 Nov 2024
E. Coli Cases Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders Rise to 104, Reports Health Officials
E. Coli Cases Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders Rise to 104
Photo : iStock
Health officials in a recent update have said that the number of illnesses due to the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has risen to 104. Of these, 34 people have been hospitalised, four have developed serious kidney problems and one has died.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak was announced last month, though some cases date to September. A report in NBC News says that the CDC and McDonald’s have both pointed to slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders as the likely source of the outbreak.
McDonald’s said last month that Taylor Farms, a California-based food producer, supplied the onions to affected restaurants. Taylor Farms recalled its yellow onions on October 22. Fourteen states have been affected by the outbreak. Colorado has reported the most cases (30), followed by Montana (19) and Nebraska (13).
Several lawsuits have been filed against McDonald’s since the outbreak was announced, including a proposed class action. McDonald’s in an online statement on Wednesday said that “food safety is something we will never compromise on, and we remain committed to doing the right thing.”
E. coli bacteria usually live in the intestines of healthy people and animals and are known to be beneficial. However, there are certain strains that can cause severe cramps, bloody diarrhoea and vomiting. You might be exposed to these strains from contaminated water or food, especially if you eat raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef. Healthy adults usually recover from infection, but, young children and older adults have a greater risk of developing life-threatening conditions.
Preventive measures to keep yourself safe
- Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food, after using the restroom, and after contact with animals. This reduces the risk of transferring bacteria from contaminated surfaces.
- Cook Food Thoroughly: Make sure meats, especially ground beef are cooked to a safe internal temperature (160°F or 71°C). E. coli can be killed when food is cooked properly.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and other foods. Wash utensils and surfaces after contact with raw meat to prevent spreading bacteria to other foods.
- Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Rinse your fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking.
- Drink Safe Water: Make sure your drinking water is from a safe source. If you’re unsure, boil water for at least one minute to kill any bacteria.
- Avoid Raw Milk and Unpasteurized Products: These can contain harmful bacteria, including E. coli. Consume only pasteurised dairy products.
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