E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Onions: 90 Cases Reported
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have identified fresh sliced onions served on McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers as the likely source of an E. coli outbreak that has resulted in one death and 90 reported illnesses across 13 states. As of now, 27 individuals have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, which has seen a significant increase from the previous count of 75 cases reported just days prior.
The CDC has reassured the public that the current risk is “very low,” as the infections occurred before the contaminated onions were removed from food service locations. They emphasized that there is no need to avoid consuming onions or other dishes containing onions.
In response to the outbreak, supplier Taylor Farms has recalled four onion products due to potential contamination. McDonald's has temporarily ceased the use of sliced onions in affected locations and has announced plans to resume serving Quarter Pounders, albeit without onions, at all restaurants this week. Other fast-food chains, including Burger King, Taco Bell, and KFC, have also removed fresh onions from their menus in some locations as a precautionary measure.
Investigation and Health Impacts
The investigation into the outbreak began on October 22, and the Colorado Department of Agriculture has since ruled out the beef patties used in the Quarter Pounder burgers as the source of contamination after testing returned negative results for E. coli. However, the outbreak has had serious health implications, including the hospitalization of a 15-year-old girl in Colorado who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a rare kidney condition associated with E. coli infection.
The CDC has indicated that the number of actual cases may be higher than reported, as many individuals infected with E. coli do not undergo testing and may recover without medical intervention. The states affected by the outbreak include Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
