At least one person died, ten were hospitalized, and a total of 49 fell ill in ten American states after poisoning with Escherichia coli bacteria, it says Voice of America.
The cases are related to Quarter Pounder hamburgers of the world-famous fast food chain "McDonald's", officials from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced.
One elderly person died in the federal state of Colorado, and one child was among those hospitalized, according to the CDC announcement.
Infections were reported between September 27 and October 11 in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Colorado has the most cases, 26, and Nebraska has nine. All citizens who were interviewed testified that they had eaten at McDonald's. The majority mentioned that it was about Quarter Pounder hamburgers, the CDC announced.
A case of poisoning is being investigated
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and health officials are investigating the poisoning.
A specific ingredient has not yet been identified as the cause, but they are focusing on onions and beef.
A preliminary investigation by the FDA suggests that the sliced onions served on the burgers are a likely source of contamination.
The USDA inspects the meat used to make hamburgers.
McDonald's officials have indicated that some cases of illness have been linked to onions provided by one of the suppliers.
The company stopped distribution of onions and temporarily withdrew Quarter Pounder burger from the menu in states with reported cases, as well as parts of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
"We take food safety very seriously and it's the only right thing to do," the company said in a statement.
McDonald's has been in trouble for a long time
The Chicago-based fast-food restaurant chain is having a tough year. Sales fell in the second quarter for the first time in nearly four years. This is explained by the decision of customers, who are suffering from inflation, not to turn to restaurants, or choose cheaper options.
McDonald's responded with a $5 meal at the end of June, and the offer has been extended until December 2024. That meal does not include Quarter Pounder.
McDonald's stock fell 9 percent after the CDC announced the poisonings.
The bacterium Escherichia coli is found in the intestines of animals and in the environment. The infection can cause more serious illness, including fever, stomach cramps, and blood in the stool.
People with symptoms of this disease should immediately seek medical help and provide information about what they ate.
Escherichia coli causes 74.000 infections annually in America. More than 2.000 patients required hospitalization.
In one year, 61 people in the USA die from the consequences caused by bacteria.
Infections are especially dangerous for children under the age of 5 and can cause acute kidney failure.
Source: Voice of America
