What is the connection between the E. Coli epidemic and McDonald’s in the USA? Why are fast food chains removing onions from burgers?

Last update:October 28, 2024, 10:04 am EST

The CDC said hospitalizations from an E. coli outbreak linked to raw onions in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers have more than doubled, with 75 people now reporting the illness

A U.S. investigation found raw onions to be a likely source of E. coli contamination, prompting several major fast food chains, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bells and Burger King, to temporarily remove onions for safety reasons. (Photo: X)

American fast food giant McDonald’s has recalled one of its most popular products, the Quarter Pounder hamburger, which was proven to be the source of an E. coli outbreak in 10 US states that left one person dead and dozens sick in two weeks in September and October.

Health officials are urging the public to be vigilant and seek medical advice if they notice blood in their stools and symptoms of dehydration.

So far, the investigation has identified uncooked onions as the likely source of the E. coli infection, prompting several major fast food chains, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bells and Burger King, to temporarily remove onions for safety reasons.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Friday that hospitalizations from an E. coli outbreak linked to raw onion in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers have more than doubled, with 75 people now reporting the illness.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), of the 61 people for whom information was available, 22 were hospitalized and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious disease that can cause kidney failure. The CDC and FDA are investigating, while McDonald’s is implementing precautions, including suspending deliveries.

According to the CDC, everyone interviewed as part of the outbreak investigation reported eating at McDonald’s, and most mentioned eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger.

This is not the first time that an American burger chain has faced a reputational crisis caused by an E. coli epidemic. An E. coli outbreak first occurred in 1982, when hamburgers in Oregon and Michigan were found to have sickened many customers.

What is E. coli?

This bacterium is found in many places, such as the intestines of humans and animals. Most E. coli bacteria are considered harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract. They are known to help us digest food, produce vitamins, and protect us from harmful germs.

Not only in our gut, but it can also be found in many other places, including the environment, food and water. Although most types of E. coli are harmless, some can cause disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some strains, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), can cause serious foodborne illness. It is mainly transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked ground meat products, raw milk, and contaminated raw vegetables and sprouts.

According to the CDC, people younger than 5 and older than 65, those with weakened immune systems, and those who have traveled abroad are more susceptible to E. coli infection.

In June, an E. coli outbreak occurred in India when the presence of coliform bacteria in water samples taken from an apartment complex in Kakkanad, Kerala raised concerns about the safety of drinking water sources.

How does it affect the human body?

Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases, the infection can lead to bloody diarrhea accompanied by fever and vomiting. The incubation period, i.e. the time it takes for symptoms to appear, is 3 to 8 days, with a median of 3 to 4 days. Most patients recover within 10 days, but a small percentage, especially young children and the elderly, may develop serious complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is characterized by acute renal failure, hemolytic anemia, and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).

Which products carry a risk of E. coli contamination?

The complications are caused by E. coli “O157:H7”, which is sometimes found on raw salads and cut fruit.

“Raw salad greens such as lettuce may seem attractive on the buffet counter, but it is important to remember that they are uncooked, which means that the bacteria from the salad plantation may still remain alive on its surface,” said Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, senior consultant gastroenterologist and former president of Indian Medical Association, Cochin.

“Manure consisting of animal waste contains E. coli and can stick to lettuce leaves.”

When agriculture uses improperly treated recycled wastewater, E. coli bacteria can settle in agricultural products. Cooked vegetables are safe because bacteria are killed by heat.

“But salads are eaten raw and can therefore sometimes become contaminated. Flies can spread disease-causing bacteria and viruses from other areas onto salads and cut fruit. Therefore, thorough cleaning and hygiene standards are required.”

Moreover, in developing countries, food poisoning occurs due to water contaminated with feces, and E. coli is a common pathogen. E. coli can also cause urinary tract infections and, rarely, infections affecting other areas of the body.