An increasingly important alert. The number of people infected with the Escherichia coli bacteria (E. Coli) after eating at McDonald’s continues to grow in the United States, now reaching 75 patients, US health authorities announced on Friday, October 25.
At least 22 people have been hospitalized and 13 states are now affected, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. Two people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause severe kidney failure. Currently there is one death to account for.
Of the 42 patients interviewed, all said they had eaten at McDonald’s and 39 said they had eaten a hamburger.
Featured Onions
The FDA is “using all available tools to confirm whether onions are the source of the outbreak,” it said in a statement.
The investigation continues, but “Taylor Farms, the supplier of chopped onions to the affected McDonald’s restaurants, has initiated a voluntary recall,” the agency said. This supplier also has other clients, who have been notified, he added.
McDonald’s announced Tuesday that it would remove chopped onions from restaurants in affected areas, as well as, “preventively,” the specific burger that uses these onions, called the “Quarter Pounder” in the United States.
On Friday, the company said Taylor Farms supplied approximately 900 McDonald’s restaurants before this episode. The fast food chain also said it had “made the decision to stop sourcing onions from Taylor Farms indefinitely.”
No cases have been reported to the FDA outside the United States. Earlier this week, authorities initially reported 49 patients.
Justice taken
At least two complaints have already been filed on behalf of sick people, the lawyer defending them, Ron Simon, told AFP. For each one, an amount of at least $50,000 is claimed.
One of the infected people, Eric Stelly, a Colorado resident, went to McDonald’s on October 4 and began developing gastrointestinal symptoms two days later, according to a statement. He had to go to the emergency room to receive treatment.
“The McDonald’s E. Coli outbreak will be one of the largest food poisoning outbreaks this year,” said Ron Simon, who represents 25 people in total. “Through this and other legal actions, we will ensure that all victims receive full compensation.”
The E. coli bacteria causes stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, which usually last three to four days. Most people recover without treatment, but some may develop complications.
Source: BFM TV
