Multi-State E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s: What You Need to Know

The company says the likely source of an E. coli outbreak is slivered onions used on its Quarter Pounders.

A sign in front of a McDonald's restaurant in Pittsburgh on April 23, 2022. Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned Tuesday that a multi-state outbreak of E. coli has been linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, leading to at least one death.

So far, the CDC said that 49 people from 10 states have been sickened with the E. coli O157:H7 strain, which can cause severe illness. Of that figure, 10 have been hospitalized and one person died.

Which States Are Affected?

Most of the E. coli cases have been reported in Colorado and Nebraska, which have 26 and 9 cases, respectively, the CDC said.