McDonald's linked to food scandal in the US

The U.S. has been shaken by a food scandal involving the international fast-food chain McDonald's. In a statement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was reported that 49 people who consumed McDonald's "Quarter Pounder" hamburgers fell ill due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, and 10 of them were hospitalized.

It was noted that in interviews conducted with the patients, they stated that they had eaten at McDonald's before showing symptoms and specifically consumed "Quarter Pounder" burgers, while it was announced that one person living in the state of Colorado had lost their life.

COMPANY SHARES LOST VALUE

In the statement, which indicated that the food item causing the cases has not yet been definitively identified, it was conveyed that experts suspect sliced onions and beef patties. The CDC announced that McDonald's has temporarily suspended the use of the food items in question at branches in the states where the suspected cases were observed. It was noted that McDonald's shares lost approximately 9 percent of their value following the scandal.

AUTHORITIES ISSUED A WARNING

Reminding that symptoms usually begin 3 to 4 days after exposure to the bacteria and that most people recover within 1 week, authorities warned individuals experiencing high fever above 38.8 degrees Celsius, diarrhea lasting longer than 3 days or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up to seek medical attention.

CAN CAUSE ILLNESS

Some subtypes of E. coli bacteria, which can normally be found in the intestinal environment of humans and animals, such as "Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)," can cause life-threatening illnesses. It is known that E. coli bacteria, most commonly contracted through food, are transmitted in 85 percent of cases via undercooked or raw meat, milk and dairy products, and poorly cleaned vegetables and fruits.