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McDonald's pulls Quarter Pounders after E. coli outbreak

Photo: McDonald's

October 23, 2024

McDonald's has pulled its Quarter Pounder from the menu in several states. The burger has been linked to an E. coli outbreak, with the majority of cases in Colorado and Nebraska, according to a CDC report.

The Chicago-based burger brand reported to the CDC that it has stopped using fresh slivered onions, which it believes is at the root of the E. coli cases, and quarter pounder beef patties in several states.

In a statement from McDonald's North America Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Piña, McDonald's said initial findings indicate that the source of the illnesses may be linked to slivered onions sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers. Restaurants in affected states have been instructed to remove the Quarter Pounder and the fresh onions from their supply.

"We take food safety extremely seriously and it's the right thing to do. Impacted restaurants are receiving a stock recovery notice today and should reach out to their field supply chain manager or distribution center with any questions," Piña said in the statement.

In a video message, Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, said food safety is important to the brand and the decision to remove fresh slivered onions and the Quarter Pounder from menus in select states is not one McDonald's takes lightly.

"It was made in close consultation with the CDC," Erlinger said. "It's important to note the majority of states and the majority of menu items are not affected. Other beef products at McDonald's, including the cheeseburger, hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and the double cheeseburger, are not impacted. This is a temporary change as the investigation continues, and we are working quickly to return our full menu in these states as soon as possible."

Of the cases reported so far, 26 have been reported in Colorado, plus one death, and nine have been reported in Nebraska. Other states to report cases include Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.