E. coli outbreak in US: 5 times food giants caused health hazards in the US

The famous fast food burger chain McDonald is facing flak worldwide as McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers were linked to a major E. coli outbreak in the United States. The outbreak has resulted in one death and multiple illnesses across 10 states, with around 50 reported cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert on Tuesday regarding the situation.

Most of the illnesses are reported in Colorado and Nebraska. Many affected individuals reported consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. The CDC is investigating the cause but has not identified a specific ingredient yet. McDonald’s has stopped using fresh slivered onions and Quarter Pounder beef patties in certain states during the investigation. The affected ingredients have been removed from stores in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Quarter Pounder burgers may not be available in other states. The CDC warned that the outbreak might go beyond these states.

A CDC statement mentioned that the Quarter Pounder beef patties and onions could be the likely sources. McDonald’s, in its statement, explained that the initial findings point to "a single supplier that serves three distribution centres." The company 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)."

Symptoms of E. coli infection

People infected with E. coli may experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms typically begin three or four days after exposure to the bacteria. While most recover within a week, some can develop serious kidney issues and need hospitalization.

Since the news started making the rounds, people are reluctant to eat at McDonald's, which has led to a massive drop in their revenue recently. However, this is not the first time any food giant has come under the radar for the disease outbreak. Mentioned below are some:

Kraft Mac and Cheese

Almost 6.5 million boxes of Kraft Foods' macaroni and cheese product were recalled after it was discovered that some of them contain tiny metal fragments. It was considered a choking hazard within the gooey mac and cheese that could be life-threatening. Therefore, a circular with batch numbers of products was asked to be turned back to the company.

Taco Bell

In December 2006, 71 Taco Bell patrons in five states were impacted by an E. coli incident. 53 people were admitted to hospitals, and 8 persons experienced kidney failure. California lettuce that was tainted was implicated in the Taco Bell epidemic. These states implemented more stringent guidelines for handling lettuce after the epidemic.



Blue Bell Icecream

Due to a listeriosis epidemic brought on by ice cream, Blue Bell voluntarily recalled all of its goods on April 20, 2015, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and other frozen foods. Five patients at a Kansas hospital were ill with a strain of listeria that the CDC connected to Blue Bell ice cream. Four of the patients had been served Blue Bell ice cream, according to hospital records. High fever, excruciating headache, nausea, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause serious sickness or even death.

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Tropical Smoothie Cafe drinks

In 2016, nine states were impacted by a hepatitis A outbreak at Tropical Smoothie Cafe outlets. According to the CDC, smoothies containing frozen strawberries imported from Egypt caused illnesses in 143 people. 56 of them were admitted to the hospital. The outbreak did not result in any documented fatalities.

PCA Peanut butter

There was a Salmonella incident at the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) in 2009. The CDC reports that PCA's peanut butter caused 714 illnesses and nine fatalities. More than 3,600 peanut butter items were recalled as a result of the firm. PCA is currently insolvent.

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