McDonald's has taken 'swift action' after a menu item was linked to a widespread outbreak of E.coli affecting 10 states across the US.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed it had launched an investigation on October 22 into an outbreak of the bacterial infection linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers.
The outbreak is now reportedly affecting more than the initially reported 10 states - Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming - with 49 confirmed cases, 10 hospitalizations and one death.
All of the 49 confirmed cases reported eating at McDonald's prior to contracting the virus and many said they ate a Quarter Pounder specifically.
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The CDC's investigation in collaboration with McDonald's is still looking to determine which exact ingredient is suspected as being contaminated with the bacteria.
However, as a precaution, the fast food chain has taken several measures to try and protect its customers.
McDonald's confirmed in a statement that it's halted using 'slivered onions' which are 'sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers' pausing the 'distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area,' alongside removing the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in impacted areas 'out of an abundance of caution'.
And the president of McDonald's USA has also addressed the outbreak.
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During an appearance on the Today show, McDonald's USA President Joe Erlinger confirmed the chain took 'swift and decisive action' to 'remove the Quarter Pounder' from its menu and that the 'quarter pounder and two ingredients on that quarter pounder are under investigation by the CDC'.
McDonald's North America Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Piña also revealed an internal message shared with UNILAD that 'impacted restaurants' received 'a stock recovery notice' and 'should reach out to their field supply chain manager or distribution center with any questions'.
He added: "We are working in close partnership with our suppliers to replenish supply for the Quarter Pounder in the coming weeks (timing will vary by local market). In the meantime, all other menu items, including other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available."
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President Erlinger also urged consumers they can still 'confidently go to McDonald's' and 'enjoy [the] classics' because 'food safety is [its] top priority'.
He continued: "It’s the top priority in this building where I am, at the McDonald’s headquarters. It’s a top priority in our nearly 14,000 McDonald’s restaurants across the U.S. It’s the top priority for our suppliers as well."
Erlinger noted McDonald's will also continue keeping customers up to date regarding the investigation.
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He stressed the business is 'everyone's' so the chain will 'continue to get into the details,' however ultimately he doesn't 'think that's what's important'.
Erlinger resolved: "What’s important today is that we’ve taken the action to protect the American public and promote public health.
"But certainly we will be working with the CDC and cooperating with them on the investigation, and we’ll take in more data and let the science continue to lead our action.
"Our founder famously said, ‘If you take care of our customers, the business will take care of itself'."
Topics: Food and Drink, Health, McDonalds, Money
Poppy Bilderbeck