McDonald's Corporation's shares have experienced a notable decline, losing approximately 6% in after-hours trading on Tuesday, and continue to trade down by roughly the same margin in pre-market activity on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This downturn follows a linkage established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between a severe E. coli outbreak in Mountain West states and McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers.
The CDC has issued a food safety alert pertaining to the Quarter Pounder burgers after one person tragically passed away and 49 individuals across 10 states fell ill due to the E. coli O157:H7 strain.
An investigation is currently underway by the CDC, in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and public health officials from various states, to determine the specific ingredient causing these infections.
In cooperation with the investigation, McDonald's has temporarily removed the suspected ingredients—slivered onions and beef patties—from Quarter Pounder hamburgers in the affected regions. It is worth noting that fresh slivered onions are predominantly utilized in Quarter Pounders and not in other menu offerings.
As the inquiry progresses, the company has stated that Quarter Pounder hamburgers will not be available for purchase in certain states.
Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, typically resides in various environments, including the intestines of humans and animals. While most E. coli strains are harmless and contribute to a healthy gut flora, some strains can cause illness.
Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections often include intense stomach cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and vomiting, beginning 3 to 4 days after exposure. Most individuals recover without treatment within 5 to 7 days. However, some may develop severe kidney complications, known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), necessitating hospitalization.
The recent outbreak has predominantly affected individuals in Colorado, where 27 people have fallen ill, followed by Nebraska, with 9 cases. Among the afflicted, 10 have been hospitalized, including an older individual in Colorado who unfortunately died. Additionally, a child has been hospitalized with HUS complications.
All affected individuals reportedly consumed food from McDonald's prior to falling ill, with the majority specifically mentioning they ate a Quarter Pounder hamburger.
While the precise cause of the contamination remains unidentified, the CDC's investigation is concentrating on two primary ingredients: fresh slivered onions and fresh beef patties.
The CDC advises customers exhibiting severe symptoms of E. coli infection after consuming a Quarter Pounder from McDonald's to seek medical attention.
McDonald's shares concluded regular trading on Tuesday at $314.69, reflecting a modest drop of 0.06%. Following the outbreak news, shares fell to $296.44 in extended trading, marking a 5.8% decline. In pre-market trading, the shares are priced at $295.99, down 5.94%.
