Local chains, including Illegal Pete’s and Taco Bell, are temporarily removing onions from their menus following a recall related to an E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s. So far, there have been no reports of illness connected to these restaurants.
Illegal Pete’s was informed of the onion recall by its supplier on Wednesday, citing “potential E. coli contamination.” The Denver-based burrito chain has posted notices to inform customers about this change.
While no one has reported illness, company officials believe the recall was issued as a precaution. The recall follows a serious outbreak linked to McDonald’s, which has resulted in multiple illnesses and one death in Colorado.
In the south Denver metro area, a Taco Bell operated by Alvarado Restaurant Nation has also announced it will not serve onions “out of an abundance of caution.” Illegal Pete’s sources its onions from Taylor Farms, the same supplier implicated in the McDonald’s outbreak, although the chain has not been directly linked to it. Pete Turner, the president and founder of Illegal Pete’s, clarified in an email that they do not use the diced white onion product associated with the outbreak. Instead, they purchase peeled white onions from Taylor Farms through US Farms.
“Taylor Farms has issued a blanket recall on certain lots of their white onion product. We believe this action is taken as a precaution, and we support their decision,” Turner stated.
Following the recall notice, Illegal Pete’s management reached out to all locations, instructing them to dispose of the onions and any food items prepared with them.
State health officials reported no illnesses linked to Illegal Pete’s. Local health officials have not provided immediate comment. Alvarado Restaurant Nation has also not responded to requests for comment, nor have US Farms and Taylor Farms.
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