McDonald’s-linked E. coli outbreak spreads to 13 states: CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the E. coli outbreak linked to fast-food giant McDonald’s has grown to 75 people across 13 states.

Twenty-six new illnesses have been reported, and three new states — Michigan, New Mexico and Washington — have been added to the list of affected areas since Tuesday, the agency said Friday.

There were 12 new hospitalizations, bringing the total to 22. That number includes a reported death in Colorado and two people — a child and an adult — suffering from a serious kidney problem known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.

The CDC says all 42 people it has interviewed reported eating Quarter Pounder burgers from McDonald’s before they became ill. Tracing work zeroed in on two ingredients — fresh slivered onions and fresh beef patties.

Taylor Farms, which supplies slivered onions to affected McDonald’s locations, recalled yellow onions.

“Stores were contacted directly and asked to remove products,” the CDC said, adding that the Food and Drug Administration “is working closely with the implicated farms and will continue to provide updates, including any additional recalls that might be needed for businesses that received recalled onions.”

McDonald’s also took steps to remove slivered onions and patties from stores in a dozen states.

“Due to the product actions taken by McDonald’s and Taylor Farms, the CDC believes the continued risk to the public is very low,” the CDC said.

Symptoms of E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. They usually start three to four days after ingesting the bacteria.

The outbreak hasn’t been linked to any other chains or retailers and coincides with McDonald’s being thrust into the news due to the presidential campaign.

Former President Donald Trump donned an apron and served french fries at an arranged event at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s after the GOP nominee accused Vice President Kamala Harris of lying about her work history at the chain.

The fast-food chain agreed to Mr. Trump’s visit but said it is not endorsing either candidate.