**McDonald's Quarter Pounder Tied to E. Coli Outbreak**

A recent food poisoning outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders has been traced to a common type of E. coli bacteria, known to cause severe illness and even death. Particularly at risk are children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 50 individuals have fallen ill due to this outbreak, with one fatality. The affected individuals range in age from 13 to 88.

Preliminary investigations indicate that raw slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounders might be the primary source of contamination. E. coli is a bacterial species found in various environments, including water, food, and the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, certain types, such as E. coli O157:H7 implicated in this outbreak, can produce toxins leading to dangerous diarrhea and potentially result in kidney failure and other severe complications.

The infection can spread through the consumption of contaminated food or through contact with animals, environmental surfaces, or infected individuals. Initially, health officials considered both slivered onions and beef patties as potential sources of contamination. However, beef patties were ruled out due to stringent federal testing requirements and McDonald's own cooking protocols that mandate temperatures high enough to kill such bacteria. In contrast, the raw onions do not undergo any cooking process that could eliminate the bacteria.

Symptoms of E. coli infection can present quickly, often within a day or two after consuming the tainted food, and commonly include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea, and signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, increased thirst, and dizziness. The infection poses a significant threat of serious kidney damage, especially among children under the age of five. Prompt medical treatment is essential for young children affected by E. coli poisoning.

Overall, E. coli O157:H7 infections account for roughly 74,000 cases annually in the United States, resulting in over 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths, according to CDC data. Despite a general decrease in E. coli infections in 2023 compared to recent years, the incidence of severe kidney-related complications from the bacteria has remained stable.

Notably, food poisoning in the United States affects at least 48 million people each year, leading to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. E. coli is just one of many pathogens responsible for foodborne illnesses. Norovirus is the most prevalent, causing between 19 million and 21 million cases annually, followed by Salmonella, which sickens about 1.3 million individuals each year. Listeria, though causing fewer illnesses, around 1,600 annually, is responsible for approximately 260 deaths.