An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has sparked rising public concern—could it spell trouble for the popular Quarter Pounder?
The outbreak, reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 16, has been traced to sliced onions sourced from Taylor Farms. As a result, many individuals are questioning food safety standards. The contaminated onions have since been removed from other fast-food restaurants as well.
E. coli can affect the body within 10 days of consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, certain strains can cause severe illness, especially when transmitted through fecal-to-oral contamination. Infection can occur through the consumption of contaminated raw meat, vegetables, unclean surfaces, or tainted water.
As of Nov. 5, the outbreak has affected 90 people across 13 states, with 27 hospitalizations and one reported death. Legal action has already begun, with lawsuits filed in Nebraska, Illinois, and Colorado. More lawsuits are expected as additional cases emerge.
The discovery of E. coli in sliced onions has led to the temporary removal of Quarter Pounders from menus nationwide, heightening public health concerns and creating operational challenges for McDonald’s. The company now faces not only legal battles but also financial struggles.
McDonald’s stock has taken a significant hit since the outbreak.
Prior to the incident, McDonald’s stock traded steadily at $314.70 per share. Following the contamination announcement on Oct. 22, shares dropped sharply to $295.19. The decline continued, reaching $292.61 by Oct. 26. However, stock prices rebounded slightly, rising to $296.79 as of Oct. 28, 2024.
The financial impact has extended beyond corporate losses, affecting employees as well. Due to decreased sales, many locations, including Fremont, have reduced workers’ hours. As a result, some employees have left their jobs. The cuts have been inconsistent, with some workers seeing little to no change while others face significant reductions. Meanwhile, managers have retained their regular hours due to increased food safety regulations and inspections, requiring more oversight than ever before.
With Quarter Pounders back on the menu as of the week of Nov. 4 and enhanced food safety measures in place, the question remains: Can McDonald’s recover from this setback? Will promotions like the extended $5 Meal Deal, available through December, be enough to restore customer trust? Or will new offerings such as the Dulce de Leche Frappe and the McRib attract fresh interest? Only time will tell.
