South Africa is still reeling from the deaths and illness of children after consuming dodgy snacks. These numerous tragic incidents have now been linked to an illegal pesticide.
However, in the US, a burger from one of the most famous fast food restaurant chains in the world – McDonald’s – is being blamed for sending people to the hospital with stomach convulsions and diarrhoea.
This includes 75 people who have fallen sick, 22 who have had to go to hospitals, and one person who has died.
The famous Quarter Pounder burger is linked to an Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) outbreak. The Independent reported that a 15-year-old girl is currently suffering from kidney failure and is in the hospital after consuming the burgers numerous times.
“It’s pretty scary to know that we put so much faith and trust that we are going to be eating something that is healthy and for it to be broken,” her mother was quoted as saying.
The outbreak was identified to be in at least 13 states.
The Department of Health said some strains of E. coli can cause food-borne disease.
“Harmless strains of E. coli can be found widely in nature, including the intestinal tracts of humans and warm-blooded animals. Disease-causing strains, however, are a frequent cause of both intestinal and urinary-genital tract infections.
“Several different strains of harmful E. coli can cause diarrhoeal disease. A particularly dangerous type is called enterohemorrhagic E. coli, or EHEC. EHEC often causes bloody diarrhoea and can lead to kidney failure in children or people with weakened immune systems,” said the department.
McDonald’s chairman, president and chief executive, Chris Kempczinski apologised for the outbreak.
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our customers. The recent spate of E. coli cases is deeply concerning, and hearing reports of how this has impacted our customers has been wrenching for us,” Kempczinksi said.
