McDonald’s E. coli outbreak in the US spreads to 13 states

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of hospitalized patients has risen to 22.

No new deaths have been reported following the death of an elderly patient in Colorado.

One child and one adult have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which damages blood vessels in the kidneys.

While researchers have not yet confirmed a specific ingredient as the source of the contamination, they are investigating whether slivered onions or beef patties are the potential source.

CONSUMERS BEGIN FILING LAWSUITS

According to reports by TRT Haber, the law firms Ron Simon & Associates and Meyers & Flowers have filed lawsuits on behalf of two consumers from Colorado and Nebraska who fell ill after consuming the burgers.

Each lawsuit seeks a minimum of 50 thousand dollars (approximately 1 million 715 thousand Turkish Lira) in damages, while attorney Ron Simon stated that he plans to represent a total of 25 victims.

Simon stated the following:

“When a consumer goes to McDonald’s to get a meal, they have great confidence that McDonald’s has done everything to make their food safe.

But here, through faulty testing, faulty inspection, or faulty processing, poison somehow got into that food, and that trust has been shaken.”

Taylor Farms, which supplies onions to McDonald’s, has voluntarily recalled its yellow onions.

McDonald’s branches in 13 states have temporarily removed Quarter Pounder burgers from their menus. However, other beef burgers, including many products, are still being sold.

Following this development, McDonald’s shares lost two percent of their value during afternoon trading hours.

The CDC has advised individuals who have consumed a Quarter Pounder and are showing symptoms of E. coli poisoning to seek medical attention.

Symptoms usually begin three to four days after eating the food, and most cases recover within five to seven days without requiring treatment.

However, some cases can become severe and require hospitalization.

In a statement on Tuesday, McDonald’s emphasized that they are taking ‘swift and decisive’ steps and that food safety is their ‘highest priority’.

News Source: 12punto