Numerous People Fall Ill In Six US States After Eating McDonald’s Salad

It has been reported by health officials that numerous people across four different states in the United States have taken ill after eating salads served at fast food joint McDonald’s. According to a report by USA Today, those falling sick were found to be infected by a parasite named Cyclospora, a non-fatal infection characterised by watery diarrhea.

The states where the cases have so far been reported are Wisconsin, South Dakota and Nebraska where two cases each were reported, Minnesota where three were reported, McDonald’s home state Illinois where 29 were reported and Iowa where 16 were reported, taking the total up to 54.

According to state Centres for Disease Control, Cyclospora usually affects people for seven days after consuming food that has been contaminated with fecal matter.

The Chicago, Illinois-based fast food chain has said that it is halting salad sales across 3,000 restaurants and distribution centres across the mid-west voluntarily till it is able to find another supplier for its lettuce-blend. The halting will affect the six states along with Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virignia, North Dakota and Montana.

According to experts, the parasite spread when some of the vegetables were irrigated in contaminated water. Cyclospora had affected around 200 people earlier this month when vegetable trays sold by Del Monte was found infected.

The incident saw McDonald’s stock prices close at $158.51, a 0.38 per cent or 61 cent drop.