(GoRealNewsNow.com) – In an alarming sign of yet another failure of the current administration’s food safety oversight, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert due to an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers.
See the tweet below.
With one American dead and dozens sickened across multiple states, this crisis highlights the need for stricter regulations and accountability in the food supply chain.
The outbreak has affected 49 people across ten states, resulting in one death and ten hospitalizations, including a child with a severe kidney condition. Most cases have been reported in Colorado, raising concerns about the potential spread to other regions.
The CDC began its investigation on October 15 after being alerted by Colorado health officials. The outbreak is described as “fast-moving,” with the potential for more reported cases.
The investigation has traced the likely source of contamination to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder burgers.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s has taken precautionary measures by stopping the use of slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in several states.
The fast-food giant claims to be working closely with suppliers to address the issue, but questions remain about the effectiveness of its food safety protocols.
Moreover, the affected states include Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
However, health officials warned that the outbreak may extend beyond these states, potentially putting more Americans at risk.
E. coli symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting, typically appearing 3-4 days after exposure.
While most people recover without treatment, some may develop serious kidney issues. The CDC also advised seeking medical attention if symptoms occur after consuming a Quarter Pounder.
“This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported,” the CDC claimed.
As the investigation continues, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is looking into whether the contaminated slivered onions were distributed to other businesses, potentially widening the scope of this health crisis.
The Agriculture Department is also assisting in the investigation, highlighting the need for a coordinated effort to address this serious threat to public health.
This E. coli outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential consequences of inadequate oversight.
It raises questions about the effectiveness of current regulations and the responsibility of large corporations like McDonald’s to ensure the safety of their products.
E. COLI OUTBREAK: CDC is investigating 49 illnesses in 10 states linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. If you ate a Quarter Pounder hamburger from McDonald’s and have severe symptoms of E. coli, contact your healthcare provider. https://t.co/g87itkupCQ pic.twitter.com/gHzUKCnTi9
— CDC (@CDCgov) October 22, 2024
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