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Who doesn’t love McDonald’s? It is the world’s largest food chain, with over 40,000 stores worldwide.
However, the popular food chain’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers have caused concern in the United States after one person died and several others became ill due to E. coli infections in 10 states, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Tuesday.
Most cases have been reported in Colorado (26), followed by Nebraska (9). In Colorado, an elderly person died, and a child was hospitalised with severe kidney complications, according to the CDC. Notably, everyone interviewed about the infection admitted to eating at McDonald’s before falling ill.
What is E. Coli?
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of bacteria found in the intestines of humans as well as animals, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Under certain circumstances, some strains of E. coli can lead to illness. One strain, known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), is particularly associated with severe foodborne illnesses such as food poisoning.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of E. coli poisoning must seek healthcare immediately and inform healthcare providers of what they ate. These symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
Notably, most people who catch the infection start feeling sick around three to four days after consuming anything contaminated by the bacteria, according to Colorado’s Public Health Department. However, the department clarified that illnesses may start anywhere from one to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria.
How deadly is E. Coli?
According to the University of California, Davis, nearly 5-10% of people infected with E. coli develop a life-threatening condition known as haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The symptoms of serious HUS include decreased urination, extreme fatigue, kidney failure, seizures, and increased heart rate.
These symptoms may appear around one week after the initial symptoms start to show. Children under five years old, adults over 65, and people with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for HUS.
How is E. coli transmitted?
The infection is primarily transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated foods, such as raw or undercooked ground meat products and raw milk, according to WHO.
Faecal contamination of water and other foods, along with cross-contamination during food preparation (involving beef, other meat products, contaminated surfaces, or kitchen utensils), can also lead to infection.
An increasing number of outbreaks have been linked to the consumption of fruits and vegetables, such as sprouts, spinach, lettuce, coleslaw, and salad. Contamination in these cases often occurs due to contact with faeces from domestic or wild animals during cultivation or handling.
What caused the outbreak?
Based on initial investigations, the slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders are a “likely source of contamination,” the CDC said, citing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The onions were “primarily used on Quarter Pounder hamburgers and not other menu items.”
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is also looking into hamburger patties.
Bill Marler, a personal injury lawyer focusing on food safety, told The New York Times that onions are quite difficult to grow cleanly and have caused several other food-borne illnesses in the past, like salmonella.
He said that if onions were actually the cause, health authorities would want to know if the supplier provided them exclusively to McDonald’s or if they were sent elsewhere as well.
In June this year, a widespread E. coli outbreak in the United Kingdom (UK) sickened more than 250 people, according to the country’s Health Security Agency. More than 80 people were hospitalised after showing E. coli symptoms, which were believed to be linked to pre-packed sandwiches containing lettuce.
What did McDonald’s say about the outbreak?
In a statement, the popular burger chain said that an initial probe suggests a few illnesses are linked to onions that were sourced from a single supplier. The company has stopped the distribution of the slivered onions and has also removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in the impacted states temporarily, and in portions of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
“We take food safety extremely seriously, and it’s the right thing to do,” the statement read.
In a video message, Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, said, “Food safety is so important to me and everyone at McDonald’s.” He added that most states were not affected. In the impacted states, various other food items, including beef products, remain available.
“In the meantime, all other menu items, including other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available,” McDonald’s said in the statement.
Shares of the world’s largest fast-food chain dropped around 6% in extended trading. A livestock trader noted that the outbreak could also put pressure on US cattle futures as it poses a threat to beef demand.
How to treat E. coli infection?
According to the US Centres for Disease Control, there is no specific treatment for an STEC infection, which usually resolves on its own within a week. However, managing symptoms is important, and staying well-hydrated is crucial since diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration.
In cases of other types of E. coli infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), meningitis, or sepsis, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if your symptoms are severe, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Antibiotics are occasionally used to treat severe intestinal illnesses and for individuals at risk of severe complications. However, most people with an E. coli infection recover without the need for antibiotics.
However, it is important not to use antibiotics for STEC infections, according to the CDC. Doing so can increase the risk of developing HUS.
How to avoid E.coli?
The most effective way to protect against E. coli infections is to wash your hands thoroughly. It is especially important to use warm water and soap.
You can further reduce your risk of E. coli infection by avoiding unpasteurised milk or cider. Be sure to rinse all raw fruits and vegetables under running water before consumption. Further, do not defrost frozen meat on the counter without wrapping it.
