McDonald’s has been facing criticism due to an E. coli outbreak that left 90 people sick and one person dead. The outbreak occurred in 13 states across the country, dating from Sept. 12 to Oct. 22.
E. Coli is a bacterium found in the human gut, and it comes from human or animal feces. E. Coli is spread through contaminated food or water.
“The way of acquiring and maintaining [E. Coli] is also a very disgusting thought,” said Azul Corona, sophomore student.
The McDonald’s outbreak affected the states of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Motana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Wisconsin.
“I have been a bit nervous to go back to eat at Mcdonald’s after hearing about their most recent issue. But no, it hasn’t caused me to lose trust towards the fast-food industry,” said Heydi Gallegos, senior student.
The CDC numbered 104 sick people and 34 people hospitalized. There were also 4 life-threatening cases causing kidney disease (HUS) and unfortunately 1 person lost their life.
“It seems a bit scary to imagine getting these long-term sicknesses, or even the least bit sick, simply because I decided to give myself a break one day and went to eat at a drive thru instead of cooking,” said Lixsy Palacios, senior student.
The cases were all related to the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and the slivered onions inside them. These onions were produced by Taylor Farms facility in Colorado Springs.
“I have heard the most recent news featuring McDonald’s and their E. Coli outbreak but since cases like this happen so often, my mind is immune to the idea of this occurring to me therefore, I don’t worry when eating out,” said Johaly Cabrera, high school graduate.
Baby organic carrots and whole organic carrots also caused an E. Coli outbreak on November 16, 2024. The infection included more states, but less cases according to the CDC.
According to the Minnesota Health Department, you can prevent the risk of E. Coli by washing your food and hands after using the bathroom. People with diarrhea should frequently wash their hands along with people who work at a farm or with animals in general.
