The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an update regarding the ongoing E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions served on McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. As of October 30, a total of 90 cases have been reported across 13 states, with 27 individuals hospitalized and one death confirmed in an older adult from Colorado. Notably, two patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe condition that can lead to kidney failure.
The FDA’s investigation indicates that the slivered onions are the likely source of contamination. Both the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are collaborating with state partners and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) to trace the outbreak’s origins.
Following the outbreak, McDonald’s took immediate action by removing slivered onions from its restaurants and ceasing orders from Taylor Farms, the supplier implicated in this situation. Testing conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture on beef patties used in the Quarter Pounders returned negative results for E. coli, suggesting that ground beef is not responsible for the outbreak.
Taylor Farms has already recalled yellow onions supplied to McDonald’s and other food service businesses as a precautionary measure. The FDA is working with Taylor Farms to assess whether further recalls are necessary. Inspections are currently underway at a Taylor Farms processing facility in Colorado and an onion farm in Washington state.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s has temporarily removed Quarter Pounders from menus in affected areas, including parts of Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Utah. The company plans to resume serving these hamburgers soon but will not include onions until further notice.
As investigations continue, health officials urge anyone who has consumed a Quarter Pounder and is experiencing severe symptoms of E. coli to seek medical attention promptly.
Related topics:
- Southern Fast-Food Chain Zaxby’s to Open First Locations in New Jerse
- Savor The Season: Holiday Specials From Popeyes, IHOP, And Rita’s
- Taco Bell to Open First Locations in Serbia