15 new cases, 5 hospitalizations

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control on Wednesday identified 15 new cases of E. coli poisoning linked to onions in Quarter Pounders sold at the fast-food chain.

The cases date back to before McDonald’s suspended the use of onions from distributor Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs plant, the CDC said.

The agency also announced five new hospitalizations attributed to the outbreak, bringing the total number of hospitalizations to 27 and the total number of cases to 90. One person died in Colorado as a result of the outbreak.

The fast-food giant apologized for the outbreak in an investor call on Tuesday, with CEO Chris Kempczinski saying he was “relieved that this situation appears to be under control and I remain confident in the safety of food at McDonald’s.”

At least three lawsuits have been filed against McDonald’s in connection with the outbreak, with attorneys for those who have already filed suits anticipating more.

The company announced Sunday that the quarter pounders would return within a week.

McDonald’s E. coli case card

What is E.coli? What are the symptoms?

Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria reside harmlessly in the intestines of people and animals. But some can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illness when consumed, the CDC says.

The types of E. coli that can cause diarrhea usually spread through food or water contaminated with feces. For example, food handlers can spread infections if they do not practice good handwashing hygiene after using the restroom. Animals such as livestock can also spread E. coli to food and food crops.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting, according to the CDC.

The agency recommended seeking immediate medical attention if a McDonald’s customer experiences the following:

Diarrhea and fever greater than 102°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days that does not improve
- Bloody diarrhea
So much vomiting that you can’t keep the fluids down
Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not much urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Dizzy feeling when standing up