CDC Declares McDonald’s E. coli Outbreak Over

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Tuesday that the E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions served at McDonald’s has officially ended, concluding an investigation that began over a month ago.

• The outbreak affected 104 people across 14 states, leading to 27 hospitalizations and one death—a Colorado resident.
• Fresh slivered onions, used in Quarter Pounders and other menu items, were identified as the likely culprit.

During the outbreak, McDonald’s temporarily removed Quarter Pounders from select locations to mitigate risks. The burgers have since returned to the menu, but the incident has left its mark on the company’s reputation and operations.

• McDonald’s U.S. restaurant visits dropped 6.6% year-over-year on November 18, recovering slightly from an earlier peak decline of 11% in late October.
• States initially linked to the outbreak saw sharper declines, with traffic falling by 9.5% collectively on November 18.
• McDonald’s is investing over $100 million in marketing efforts and targeted financial assistance for impacted franchisees.
• Despite a “farewell tour” last year, the McRib has returned as a limited-time offering. A new value menu will debut in January to attract cost-conscious diners.

In an internal memo, Michael Gonda, North American Chief Impact Officer, and Cesar Pina, Chief Supply Chain Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to regaining consumer trust and rebuilding brand loyalty.

“Looking ahead, we must remain laser-focused on regaining our customers’ hard-earned trust and reigniting their brand affinity,” the executives stated.