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A McDonald’s branch in Azusa, California, on Route 66, faced a drop in shares during extended trading following reports of an E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounder burgers, resulting in 10 hospitalizations and a fatality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 49 cases have been reported in 10 states, with most illnesses occurring in Colorado and Nebraska. The CDC stated that a significant number of affected individuals had consumed McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. One patient developed a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, leading to kidney failure, while an older adult in Colorado passed away.
The CDC suspects that the number of people impacted by the outbreak is higher than reported, as some individuals may not have sought medical attention or tested for E. coli infection. Investigations are underway to identify the contaminated ingredient, with the FDA indicating that onions may be the source. McDonald’s has withdrawn the ingredients for the affected burgers, resulting in their temporary unavailability in certain states.
The company’s shares plummeted approximately 9% in after-hours trading, with no immediate response from McDonald’s regarding the situation. The Quarter Pounder burgers represent a significant menu item for the fast-food chain, generating substantial revenue annually. In 2018, McDonald’s introduced fresh beef for its Quarter Pounders at most U.S. locations.
E. coli is a group of bacteria commonly found in humans and animals’ gastrointestinal tracts, with certain strains capable of causing mild to severe illness through contaminated food or water consumption. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, typically manifesting three to four days after exposure. Most individuals recover within a week without medical intervention.
In a separate incident in 2022, several children developed E. coli symptoms after consuming McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets Happy Meals in Ashland, Alabama. Four of the six affected children required hospitalization due to severe complications.
This ongoing situation will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Emily Jensen, graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the UK in 2015 with a degree in Economics. She specializes in financial markets and international trade. After graduating, she worked as an analyst at an investment bank in London, where she developed expertise in global economic trends. She later transitioned into consulting, focusing on fintech ventures and providing insights into global economic developments. Emily is passionate about the intersection of finance and technology and aims to drive innovation in the financial sector.
