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Joe Erlinger, the USA President of McDonald’s, has spoken out and shared an update after the company’s quarter pounder burgers were linked to a deadly E. coli outbreak.
According to CNN, Erlinger appeared on NBC’s ‘Today‘ on Wednesday, October 23. During his appearance the McDonald’s president shared a statement with consumers.
“We are very confident that you can go to McDonalds and enjoy our classics,” Erlinger reportedly explained. “I want to say to our consumers that you can confidently go to McDonalds today.”
Furthermore, Erling explained that on Tuesday, October 22, the company “took swift action” and has currently removed its quarter pounder burgers from menus.
“If there has been contaminated product within our supply chain, its very likely worked itself through that supply chain already,” Erlinger reportedly added.
Per CNN, on Tuesday, October 22, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert. The alert reported that “public health officials in multiple states are investigating an outbreak of E. coli.” Per Fox 35 Orlando, it is believed that the onions used in the quarter pounders may have been contaminated. However, the outlet notes that an investigation is still underway to determine the source of the outbreak.
Additionally, the CDC’s alert noted that most cases of people who fell sick were clustered in Colorado and Nebraska. However, CNN added that at least 49 people fell ill across 10 states. Furthermore, one person reportedly passed away while ten were hospitalized.
Fox 35 Orlando adds that the individual who passed away was located in Colorado.
Lastly, the CDC’s notice urged the public to call their healthcare provider if they notice symptoms of diarrhea, high fever, vomiting, and/or signs of dehydration. Per the notice, most people usually recover from infection without treatment within 5-7 days.
Social media users reacted to the news of the E. coli outbreak and the McDonald’s quarter pounders in The Shade Room’s comment section.
While Instagram user @iamjusnik added, “Theres a recall on food every week now. Fruits, vegetables, water, frozen food, McDonalds Its getting crazy out here”
Instagram user @theealvingray wrote, “Not gonna lie, that photo makes me want a quarter pounder ”
