McDonald's CEO Apologizes for E. coli Outbreak

McDonald's is facing challenges amid a slowdown in the quick-service restaurant sector, with CEO Chris Kempczinski reporting a 1.5% drop in global comparable sales for the third quarter. The company has seen a slight increase in U.S. sales, attributed to its successful '$5 Meal Deal,' which will remain available until December. However, the chain has also been impacted by an E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounders, resulting in 75 infections and one death, prompting an apology from Kempczinski. Despite the outbreak, executives believe it will not significantly affect overall sales, citing contained circumstances. The company has removed contaminated onions from its supply chain and expects Quarter Pounders to return to all U.S. locations soon. Overall, while McDonald's performance has not met expectations, there are signs of recovery in the U.S. market.