What’s E.Coli Outbreak Linked To McDonald’s In US, Why Are Fast-Food Chains Removing Onions In Burgers?
The CDC has said the number of hospitalisations from the E. coli outbreak associated with raw onions in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has more than doubled, with 75 individuals now reporting illness
American fast food giant McDonald’s has recalled one of its most popular products, Quarter Pounder hamburger, which was proven to be the source of an E. coli outbreak across 10 states in the United States that had killed one person and sickened dozens over two weeks spanning September and October.
Health officials are urging the public to be vigilant and seek medical advice if they are witnessing blood in stool and symptoms of dehydration.
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So far, the investigation has identified uncooked onions as a probable source carrying E. coli infection prompting several major fast-food chains, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bells and Burger King, to temporarily remove onions for safety.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday that the number of hospitalisations from the E. coli outbreak associated with raw onions in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has more than doubled, with 75 individuals now reporting illness.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), of the 61 people on whom information was available, 22 were hospitalised, and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. The CDC and FDA are investigating while McDonald’s implements precautionary measures, including halting supplies.
Everyone interviewed as part of an investigation into the outbreak has reported eating at McDonald’s and majority mentioned eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger, according to the CDC.
This is not the first time the American burger chain has struggled with a reputational crisis due to the E. coli outbreak. It first witnessed an E. coli outbreak in 1982 when its hamburgers in Oregon and Michigan were discovered to have sickened many customers.
What is E. coli?
This bacterium is found in many places like the intestines of people and animals. Most E. coli are considered harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract, it is known to help us digest food, produce vitamins, and protect us from harmful germs.
Not only in our gut but it can also be found in many other places including in the environment, foods and water. While most kinds of E. coli are harmless, some can make us sick.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), some strains such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), can cause severe foodborne disease. It is transferred to humans mainly through the consumption of contaminated foods, such as raw or undercooked ground meat products, raw milk, and contaminated raw vegetables and sprouts.
According to CDC, people younger than 5 years, and older than 65 years, and with weakened immune systems and international travellers are more prone to getting sick with E. coli infection.
In June, India saw an E. coli outbreak when the presence of coliform bacteria in the water samples collected from an apartment complex in Kakkanad in Kerala raised concerns over the safety of drinking water sources.
How This Impacts A Human Body?
Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting. In some cases, the infection can lead to bloody diarrhea accompanied by fever and vomiting. The incubation period, or the time it takes for symptoms to appear, ranges from 3 to 8 days, with a median of 3 to 4 days. Most patients recover within 10 days, but a small percentage, particularly young children and the elderly may develop severe complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is characterised by acute kidney failure, hemolytic anaemia, and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).
Which Products Carry The Risk of E. coli Contamination?
The complications are caused by E. coli “O157:H7" which is sometimes seen on raw salads and cut fruit.
“Raw salads such as lettuce might seem attractive on a buffet counter, but remember they are not cooked, which means bacteria from the salad farm could still remain alive on its surface," said Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, senior consultant gastroenterologist and former President of Indian Medical Association, Cochin.
“Manure consisting of animal faeces contains E. coli and can stick to the leaves of salad."
When inadequately treated recycled sewage water is used in agriculture, E. coli can deposit on the farm produce. Vegetables that are cooked are safe because the bacteria die due to the heat.
“But salads are consumed raw, and can therefore be occasionally contaminated. Flies can spread disease-causing bacteria and viruses from other areas to these salads and cut fruit. Thorough washing and hygiene standards are therefore required."
In addition, food poisoning outbreaks involving fecally contaminated water occur in developing countries, and E. coli is a common agent. E. coli can also cause urinary infections, and rarely, infections involving other areas of the body.
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