McDonald’s Temporarily Pulls Quarter Pounder Amid E. Coli Outbreak, Shares Drop Sharply

McDonald’s has temporarily pulled its iconic Quarter Pounder from the menu following a CDC food safety alert linked to an E. Coli outbreak. The recall affects several states, leading to a 9% drop in shares, with another 5% decline the following day.

McDonald's Quarter Pounder: A 1971 Icon That Became a Permanent Menu Staple by 1973

The McDonald's Quarter Pounder was first introduced in Fremont, California, in 1971 and became a permanent fixture on the national menu by 1973. This iconic burger features a four-ounce 100% beef patty, topped initially with ketchup, mustard, slivered onions, and pickles, all served on a sesame seed bun.

Unlike other menu items that use pre-cooked, frozen meat, the Quarter Pounder's freshly cooked patty sets it apart from the rest of McDonald's burgers. Though not the best-selling item on the menu, the Quarter Pounder has become a staple for many loyal customers, often the only item they order.

However, the Quarter Pounder is now facing a significant setback. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on October 22 a food safety alert linked to an E. coli outbreak traced back to the McDonald's Quarter Pounder. This development has forced McDonald's to temporarily remove the Quarter Pounder from its menu to investigate the source of contamination and make necessary supply chain adjustments to prevent further cases.

McDonald's Reassures Customers on Food Safety as Quarter Pounder Is Suspended in Multiple States

McDonald's President Joe Erlinger emphasized the company's commitment to food safety during an appearance on NBC's "Today" show, stating, “Food safety is our top priority at McDonald’s. It’s the top priority for our suppliers as well.”

The outbreak has predominantly affected Colorado, with 26 reported cases, and Nebraska, with nine. As a precaution, McDonald's has also suspended using Quarter Pounder beef patties and slivered onions in stores across Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. While the Quarter Pounder is temporarily off the menu, all other McDonald’s offerings remain available, and the company assures customers that they can continue enjoying their different favorites.

Erlinger expressed confidence in the safety of the rest of McDonald's menu, stating, “We are very confident that you can go to McDonald’s and enjoy our classics.”

McDonald’s Shares Plunge 14% Amid E. Coli Outbreak, Resulting in Hospitalizations and One Death

Following the CDC announcement, McDonald’s shares dropped 9% after trading hours on October 22 and another 5% on October 23, As of October 22, there have been 49 reported cases in 10 states, with 10 hospitalizations and one death.

This is not the first time McDonald's has faced an E. coli outbreak. In 2022, six children in Ashland, Alabama, developed E. coli-related symptoms after consuming McDonald's Chicken McNuggets, resulting in four children's hospitalization.

E. coli, a bacterium commonly found in the environment, food, and water, is typically harmless and helps with digestion and vitamin production. However, certain strains can cause serious illness. Symptoms of E. coli infection, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, generally appear three to four days after ingestion and can last up to a week. While most people recover without treatment, severe cases can lead to kidney failure, permanent health issues, and even death.