The number of hospitalizations has risen to 22, although no additional deaths have been reported other than that of an elderly patient in Colorado, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One child and one adult developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that damages blood vessels in the kidneys.
Investigators have not yet confirmed a specific ingredient as the source of the contamination, although they are assessing whether the origin could be from chopped onions or beef patties.
While the investigation is ongoing, Taylor Farms, the company that supplies the chopped onions to the affected locations, voluntarily recalled its yellow onions.
McDonald's restaurants in the 13 affected states have temporarily pulled Quarter Pounders from their menus, though other products, including other beef burgers, remain available.
In early afternoon trading, the fast-food giant's shares fell more than two percent.
Meanwhile, law firms Ron Simon & Associates and Meyers & Flowers have filed lawsuits on behalf of two separate consumers from Colorado and Nebraska who became ill after consuming the burgers.
Each is seeking a minimum of $50,000 in compensation, and attorney Ron Simon told AFP he plans to represent a total of 25 victims.
"When a consumer goes to a " McDonald's " to buy food, they are relying heavily on the fact that " McDonald's " has done everything it can to make your food safe," Simon said.
"And here, whether it's faulty testing, faulty supervision, faulty processing, somehow the poison has gotten into that food and the trust has been broken."
The CDC advises those who have consumed Quarter Pounder and developed symptoms of E. coli - such as diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever over 38.9°C and vomiting - to seek medical attention.
Symptoms usually begin three to four days after exposure and most people recover within five to seven days without treatment. However, some cases can become severe and require hospitalization.
In a statement Tuesday, McDonald's said it had taken "swift and decisive action" and that food safety was its "top priority." | BGNES
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