WASHINGTON: Several people suffered food poisoning after having hamburgers from McDonald's outlets in the United States, a report said. Many people have sought treatment in various locations, with one death reported in Colorado. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the presence of E. coli bacteria as the cause of the food poisoning.

Food poisoning was reported from McDonald's outlets between September 27 and October 11. The affected individuals had eaten Quarter Pounder hamburgers from the outlets. Cases were reported across 10 Western states, with Colorado and Nebraska accounting for the majority of incidents.

The presence of E. coli bacteria was confirmed in all patients who sought treatment. However, it remains unclear how the bacteria contaminated the food. Suspicions point to either onions or beef as the potential source. As a precaution, these items have been removed from the outlets.

"Food safety is given utmost importance, and we have recommended temporarily removing the products that caused food poisoning," McDonald's President Joe Erlinger said.

The patients showed symptoms like diarrhoea, fever, and vomiting. Authorities have advised individuals experiencing such symptoms to consult a doctor immediately.