A deadly E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers has sickened 104 people in 14 states, federal health officials said. At least 34 people have been hospitalized, and four developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. An 88-year-old man in Grand Junction, Colorado, died as a result of the outbreak. The illnesses started at the end of September, with the most recent onset of illness occurring as of October 21. McDonald’s had initially pulled the Quarter Pounders from restaurants in several states after the outbreak was announced. However, testing ruled out beef patties as the source of the outbreak.
The FDA and Colorado health officials collected onion and environmental samples from McDonald’s stores and distribution centers. While one sample of recalled onions tested positive for E. coli, it did not match the outbreak strain. The onion supplier, Taylor Farms, recalled yellow onions in response to the outbreak, and McDonald’s reintroduced slivered onions from a different supplier. The FDA has stated that there does not appear to be a continued food safety concern related to this outbreak at McDonald’s restaurants. McDonald’s found an alternate supplier for the approximately 900 restaurants that had temporarily stopped serving Quarter Pounders with slivered onions. These restaurants have resumed the sale of the burgers with slivered onions.
It typically takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. Most people infected with the toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, and most recover without treatment after five to seven days. People who have eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and are experiencing severe E. coli symptoms are advised to contact their healthcare provider. The outbreak has raised concerns about food safety in homes amid an increase in foodborne illnesses. Consumers are urged to be cautious when handling and preparing food to prevent potential foodborne illnesses.
The outbreak has prompted McDonald’s to take immediate action by removing the slivered onions from Quarter Pounders and conducting thorough testing to identify the source of the contamination. The chain has also introduced an alternate supplier for the onions to prevent any future outbreaks. The collaboration between federal health officials, state authorities, and McDonald’s has been crucial in containing the outbreak and ensuring the safety of consumers. The quick response and thorough investigation have helped in identifying the cause of the outbreak and implementing necessary measures to prevent further illnesses.
The company’s commitment to food safety and transparency in addressing the issue has been evident through its cooperation with health authorities and proactive steps in resolving the outbreak. By recalling the affected products and isolating the contaminated ingredients, McDonald’s has demonstrated its dedication to ensuring the well-being of its customers. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety protocols in the food industry and the need for vigilant monitoring to prevent outbreaks. Overall, the outbreak highlights the challenges in maintaining food safety standards and the critical role of collaboration in addressing public health concerns.
