McDonald's stock sinks after CDC reports E. coli outbreak linked to quarter pounder

Published On Oct 22, 2024, 4:52 PM

McDonald's stock dropped nearly 10% in after-hours trading after the CDC linked an E. coli outbreak to its quarter-pounder hamburgers. The outbreak has resulted in one death and ten hospitalizations across several states, with it primarily affecting customers in Colorado and Nebraska. In response, McDonald's has ceased using certain ingredients in affected areas until the source of the contamination is identified and resolved.

Stock Forecasts

Given the serious implications of an E. coli outbreak on a food company's reputation and financial performance, investors may want to proceed with caution regarding McDonald's shares. Historical precedents with similar outbreaks affecting fast food chains lead to a prolonged recovery path and potential stock volatility.

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Shares of McDonald's were down 9.2% after the bell. McDonald's has proactively removed the slivered onions and beef patties used for the quarter pounder hamburgers from stores in the affected states while the investigation continues, the company informed the CDC. Quarter pounders in some states may be temporarily unavailable, according to the CDC's statement.

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