The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told McDonald’s late last week about a potential link between an E. coli outbreak and its Quarter Pounders.
The notification came after an investigation began to uncover a cluster of E. coli cases across several states.
As of Tuesday (October 22), the CDC attributed 49 confirmed cases of E. coli infections and one fatality to the outbreak. The outbreak has been traced back to McDonald’s locations in 10 states.
After getting the notice, the fast food giant began coordinating with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assess the situation.
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McDonald’s Takes Swift Action
McDonald’s said it had already decided to pull its Quarter Pounder burgers from affected restaurants by the time the CDC released its advisory notice on Tuesday.
The company confirmed approximately 20 percent of its US locations are not selling the Quarter Pounder burger at this time. The company is focusing on states that include Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of eight other states.
Cesar Pina, McDonald’s North American chief supply chain officer, said it has removed Quarter Pounders from affected areas.
The CDC’s investigation currently focuses on the burger’s uncooked onions and beef patties.
McDonald’s said its burgers are typically cooked to an internal temperature that would eliminate harmful bacteria.
Onion Supplier Under Scrutiny
The CDC’s inquiry suggests that the source of the outbreak may be the onions used in the Quarter Pounder burgers. McDonald’s operates with a single supplier for onions in the affected region. This supplier is responsible for washing and slicing the vegetables.
The company has halted the distribution of onions from this supplier. It has also directed local restaurants to remove their current stock of onions as a precautionary measure.
The outbreak reportedly occurred between September 27 and October 1. McDonald’s typically sells around one million Quarter Pounder burgers in the affected regions during this period.
Impact on McDonald’s Shares and Sales
The E. coli outbreak adds to McDonald’s challenges as it navigates an era of rising prices and changing consumer preferences.
The outbreak could pose risks to the company’s reputation and sales, despite efforts to win back diners with promotions like a $5 value meal deal.
Shares of McDonald’s dropped five percent on Wednesday afternoon. This reflects investor concerns that the outbreak could impact the company’s financial performance.
With the CDC continuing its investigation, the fast-food giant remains under pressure to manage the fallout and restore consumer confidence.