E. Coli Outbreak: CDC Warns McDonald’s Customers in Utah and 9 Other States 

Matthew Franke

October 24, 2024

schedule 3 min read
Image of McDonald's sign next to an E .coli bacteria culture plate
McDonald's sign and petri dish (L-R) | L: by Matthew Franke, R: Adobe Stock Photo

CDC issues a Food Safety Alert for an E. Coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s locations in Utah and 9 other states. Find out how this affects consumers. 

As of Oct. 22, 2024, the CDC launched an official investigation into contaminated food at McDonald’s locations across 10 states. This fast-moving inquiry follows reports of E. coli infections from over 49 customers who visited the food chain. 

What’s Contaminated 

Although the investigation is still in its early stages, it is currently believed that the source of the outbreak comes from the ingredients used in the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder. Specifically, the beef, onion, and cheese ingredients of the sandwich. However, since CDC investigators and McDonald’s officials are not sure yet if one or all ingredients are contaminated, the fast-food chain has temporarily halted sales on the popular menu item as well as removed silvered onions from the menu until the source of the outbreak can be determined. 

Current Scope of the Outbreak 

Map of E.Coli Outbreak | Courtesy of the CDC
Map of E.Coli Outbreak | Courtesy of the CDC

At the time of writing, there are currently 4 confirmed cases of E. coli in Utah with others potentially not yet reported. Outside of Utah, 45 individuals from the following nine states have also been confirmed to be infected: 

  • Colorado 
  • Kansas 
  • Nebraska 
  • Montana 
  • Iowa 
  • Wisconsin 
  • Wyoming 
  • Oregon 
  • Missouri  

What to lookout for 

If you or someone you know has visited a McDonald’s location in Utah recently, it may be a good idea to pay close attention to your health for roughly three-to-four days as this is the timeframe in which E. coli symptoms will typically begin to appear. Those symptoms are:  

  • Diarrhea (ranging from mild and watery to severe and bloody) 
  • Stomach cramps or abdominal pain 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Dehydration symptoms, such as dry mouth, dizziness when standing, and reduced urination 

As college students often share living spaces and frequently order takeout, it’s important to be cautious, especially if you recently visited a McDonald’s. Make sure to consider ordering items like the Quarter Pounder if it is still offered at your local location until the source of the outbreak is confirmed and the situation is resolved. 

The UVU Review will continue to make updates on the outbreak as this case progresses. 

Visit the CDC’s website here for more information about the outbreak:  CDC Reference 

More about E. coli: (Mayo Clinic)