McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak Update

McDonald's Corporation shares declined by 2% on Friday following a CDC update on an E. coli outbreak linked to its popular Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

As of October 25, the CDC reported:
– 75 confirmed cases across 13 states
– Illnesses began as early as September 27
– 26 new cases and three new states
– 12 new hospitalizations, with no new deaths

The CDC emphasized that the actual number of infected individuals could be much higher than reported due to untested recoveries.

> “More illnesses have been reported and everyone interviewed continues to report eating at McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) before their illness started,” said the CDC. The most recent illness began on October 10.

Taylor Farms has initiated a voluntary recall of some onions sent to food service operators.

As a precaution, McDonald's has ceased using fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in several states while investigations continue to pinpoint the ingredient causing the outbreak.