E. coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Burgers Officially Declared Over
A deadly E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions served at McDonald’s has officially come to an end, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak, which began in October, affected 104 people in 14 states, leading to 27 hospitalizations and one reported death of an older adult in Colorado.
The CDC attributed the outbreak to fresh slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders and other menu items. McDonald’s, one of the world’s largest fast-food chains, temporarily removed the affected items from some locations, but has since brought them back.
While the outbreak is officially over, McDonald’s is still dealing with the financial fallout. According to a recent research note, foot traffic to the chain’s U.S. restaurants fell by 6.6% on November 18 compared to the same period last year. The 10 states most affected by the outbreak saw an even steeper decline of 9.5%.
To recover, McDonald’s is investing over $100 million in marketing and targeted financial assistance for affected franchisees. The company is also introducing new menu items, including the return of its popular McRib sandwich and a new McValue menu set to launch in January.
“We must remain laser focused on regaining our customers’ hard-earned trust and reigniting their brand affinity,” wrote Michael Gonda, McDonald’s North American chief impact officer, and Cesar Pina, the company’s North American chief supply chain officer, in an internal memo.
Following the outbreak, McDonald’s shares have fallen 7%, currently valuing the company at $209.6 billion.