E. Coli Outbreak Tied to McDonald’s Burgers Sickens 75

An E. Coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers has grown to 75 confirmed cases, primarily in the western U.S., health authorities reported Friday.

Hospitalizations have reached 22, though no additional fatalities have been recorded beyond the initial death of an elderly person in Colorado, according to the FDA and CDC. Among the affected, one child and one adult developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney condition that damages blood vessels.

While investigators have not yet identified the exact source of contamination, they are focusing on whether slivered onions or beef patties may be responsible. Taylor Farms, which supplies the slivered onions to impacted restaurants, has initiated a voluntary recall of its yellow onions.

In response, McDonald’s locations in the 13 affected states have temporarily removed Quarter Pounders from their menus, although other beef items remain available.

The incident caused McDonald’s shares to fall by over 2% in early afternoon trading. Additionally, the law firms Ron Simon & Associates and Meyers & Flowers have filed lawsuits for two individuals from Colorado and Nebraska who became ill after eating the burgers, seeking at least $50,000 in damages per case. Attorney Ron Simon, representing 25 victims, emphasized the trust consumers place in McDonald’s for food safety, stating, “Whether due to faulty testing, oversight, or handling, something went wrong here.”

The CDC has advised anyone who ate a Quarter Pounder and is experiencing symptoms of E. Coli infection—such as diarrhea, bloody stool, high fever, or vomiting—to seek medical help. Symptoms typically appear three to four days post-exposure, with most recovering within a week, though some cases require hospitalization.

McDonald’s issued a statement Tuesday affirming that “swift and decisive action” was taken and reaffirmed its commitment to food safety as a “top priority.”