McDonald's has identified slivered onions as the potential source of an E. Coli outbreak that has sickened at least 49 individuals across ten states, leading to one fatality.
The California-based produce company, Taylor Farms, is at the center of the investigation, prompting the fast-food giant to remove its Quarter Pounder hamburgers from several locations.
Federal health officials revealed that the outbreak has resulted in hospitalizations for at least ten people, including a child who developed severe complications due to kidney disease linked to the infection. Victims reported falling ill between September 27 and October 11, with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea appearing as soon as one to two days after consuming contaminated food.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that the strain involved is E. Coli O157
, notorious for producing a dangerous toxin. According to CDC statistics, this type of bacteria causes approximately 74,000 infections and results in over 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths annually in the United States.
As a precautionary measure, other fast-food chains, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King, have also removed onions from their menus. Yum Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell and KFC, announced it had proactively stopped using fresh onions in select restaurants, although it refrained from disclosing whether it sources from the same supplier as McDonald's.
Similarly, Restaurant Brands International, which owns Burger King, stated that while only 5% of its locations utilize onions from Taylor Farms' Colorado facility, they have taken steps to dispose of those onions and are resupplying from alternative sources.
Taylor Farms has issued a recall for peeled whole and diced yellow onions over concerns of potential E. Coli contamination, although US Foods, a major wholesaler that supplies to various restaurants, clarified that its recall does not extend to any products sold at McDonald's.
While the FDA has not confirmed an investigation into Taylor Farms, its spokesperson indicated that the agency is examining all possible sources related to the outbreak.
In an alarming development, a Greeley, Colorado man has initiated legal action against McDonald's after contracting an E. Coli infection linked to the outbreak.
In a lawsuit filed this week, Eric Stelly claimed that he consumed food from a local McDonald's on October 4 and fell ill two days later, ultimately confirming his infection as part of the larger outbreak.
