McDonald's Corp (NYSE:MCD, ETR:MDO) stock dropped 5.8% in after-hours trading, wiping $13 billion from its market value after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked an e.coli outbreak to its quarter pounder burgers.
According to reports, the outbreak has resulted in 49 illnesses across 10 states, including one death and 10 hospitalisations. The CDC believes slivered onions used in the product are the likely source of contamination.
In response, McDonald’s has removed the onions and quarter-pound beef patties from restaurants in several states, including Colorado and Nebraska, while the investigation continues.
Other menu items remain unaffected. McDonald’s said it is working with suppliers to restore quarter pounder availability and reiterated that customer safety remains its top priority.
After hours, the stock was off $18.25 at $296.44.