Food Safety Concerns Hit McDonald’s
A recent outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers has led to a significant drop in the company’s shares. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 49 cases of illness across 10 states, resulting in 10 hospitalizations and one death.
Investigation Underway
The CDC is currently investigating the outbreak, with preliminary findings suggesting that slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder may be the source of the contamination. McDonald’s has taken swift action, removing the affected ingredient from their supply chain and pausing distribution in the affected areas.
Quarter Pounder Sales Impacted
The Quarter Pounder is a core menu item for McDonald’s, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. The temporary unavailability of the burger in several Western states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, is likely to impact sales.
Commitment to Food Safety
McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger emphasized the company’s commitment to food safety, stating that they are working quickly to return their full menu in the affected states as soon as possible. The company has also assured customers that their other beef products, including the cheeseburger and Big Mac, are not affected by the outbreak.
E. coli: A Growing Concern
E. coli is a type of bacteria found in the gut of nearly all people and animals. While some strains can cause mild to severe illness, many people recover without treatment after five to seven days. However, the CDC notes that the number of people affected by the outbreak is likely much higher than what has been reported so far.
Past Incidents
This is not the first time McDonald’s has faced E. coli concerns. In 2022, at least six children developed symptoms consistent with E. coli poisoning after eating McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets Happy Meals in Alabama.
Impact on Shares
The news of the outbreak has had a significant impact on McDonald’s shares, which dropped about 7% in after-hours trading. The company’s response to the outbreak will be closely watched by investors and customers alike.
Leave a Reply