On October 23, reports from U.S. media highlighted the alarming warning issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding McDonald’s “Quarter Pounder” burgers.

In a statement released on October 22, the CDC revealed that an outbreak of E. coli-related illnesses has been linked to the consumption of these burgers across multiple states. The report noted that 49 individuals have fallen ill after eating the Quarter Pounder, with 10 of them requiring hospitalization and one tragic fatality.

According to the CDC, all patients reported dining at McDonald’s prior to their illness, specifically mentioning the Quarter Pounder as part of their meals. Regions affected include Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wisconsin, as noted in a report by USA Today.

As the investigation unfolds, the CDC has yet to identify the contaminated food source. However, McDonald’s stated that their preliminary findings suggest a potential connection between the illnesses and sliced onions provided by a supplier servicing three of their distribution centers. The company has taken immediate action by temporarily removing the suspected ingredients from their menu in certain states.