E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders: Latest Updates

Update on E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Onions in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) has reported a troubling increase in the number of individuals hospitalized due to an E. coli outbreak associated with raw onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. As of Friday, the number of reported illnesses has surged to 75, marking a significant rise in cases.

Illnesses have been documented across 13 states, affecting individuals ranging in age from 13 to 88. Alarmingly, the C.D.C. has also announced that a second person has developed the severe condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can be life-threatening.

Initially, the outbreak seemed concentrated in the Mountain West region, but the latest data reveals cases emerging in states such as Michigan, Washington, and Oregon. It remains uncertain whether these individuals contracted the illness after dining at McDonald’s in their home states or while traveling.

Tragically, one elderly individual from Colorado has succumbed to the outbreak. The C.D.C. noted that the most recent reported illness occurred on October 10, though it is important to recognize that additional cases may still surface, as the determination of whether an illness is linked to the outbreak can take three to four weeks.

In light of the ongoing situation, federal health officials have expressed cautious optimism that the risk to consumers may be diminishing. Many states have initiated recalls of the implicated onions, and several other fast-food chains—including Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Burger King—have opted to temporarily remove onions from their menus as a precautionary measure.

The outbreak first gained public attention earlier this week when the C.D.C. released a food safety alert, prompting McDonald’s to withdraw its Quarter Pounders from select locations in ten states. Investigations by both McDonald’s and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have pointed to raw, slivered onions—primarily used as toppings on the Quarter Pounder—as a “likely source of contamination.” In addition, McDonald’s has ceased providing fresh onions on its other burger offerings in the affected regions.

McDonald’s has identified Taylor Farms as its onion supplier for the Mountain West, and this company has since issued a recall for several yellow onion products—whether slivered, diced, or whole—due to potential E. coli contamination. Taylor Farms, a prominent supplier of fruits and vegetables, has not responded to multiple requests for comment regarding the situation.

The C.D.C. has confirmed that other restaurants which received the recalled onions have been alerted and instructed to remove these products from their menus. Following the outbreak, McDonald’s has paused sales of Quarter Pounders at its locations across Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Notably, the company has stated that other hamburger items are not affected by the outbreak.

Regulatory bodies continue to investigate whether the ground beef utilized in the Quarter Pounder patties could also be a potential source of the bacteria. In a related development, one lawsuit has already been filed by a Colorado resident who fell ill after dining at a McDonald’s location. According to the C.D.C., Colorado has recorded the highest number of cases, totaling 26, followed by Montana with 13 cases and Nebraska with 11.

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