Ten hospitalized, one died from E. coli infections linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder, CDC says

(Reuters) – Ten people were hospitalized and an elderly person in Colorado has died after E. coli infections linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers in 10 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said on Tuesday.

The company's shares fell about 6% in after-hours trading.

All respondents reported eating at McDonald's before the onset of their illness, and specifically mentioned eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger, according to the CDC.

The specific ingredient linked to the illness has not yet been identified, but researchers are focusing on fresh, slivered onions and fresh beef patties, the CDC said.

According to the CDC, 49 people from 10 states have become ill with the same strain of E. coli. Most of the sick come from Colorado or Nebraska.

“The initial results of the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to the onion slivers used in Quarter Pounder, which are purchased from a single supplier that serves three distribution centers,” said Cesar Piña, chief supply chain officer McDonald's North America, in a statement.

McDonald's has proactively removed the onion slices and beef patties used in its Quarter Pounder hamburgers from stores in affected states while the investigation continues, the company told the CDC.

The company is temporarily removing the Quarter Pounder from restaurants in affected areas, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, it said in a statement, adding it is working with suppliers to replenish supplies in the coming week.

Symptoms for E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

In 2015, burrito chain Chipotle suffered lost sales and reputational damage due to E. coli outbreaks in several states.

(Reporting by Sneha SK and Jaiveer Shekhawat; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)