Federal officials report that E. coli from McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has sickened at least 49 people across 10 states, with one death and 10 hospitalizations. A child is among those hospitalized, suffering severe kidney complications.
The exact source of the outbreak is still unclear, but investigators are focusing on onions and beef. Early findings suggest slivered onions, used in Quarter Pounders and supplied by a single vendor to three distribution centers, could be linked to the illnesses. McDonald’s has ordered restaurants to remove slivered onions and halted their distribution in the affected region.
The CDC warns the true number of cases is likely higher, as many recover without seeking medical care or getting tested. Although New Jersey was not listed among the states in the report, it does leave one wondering.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.