A total of 104 individuals have fallen ill from E.coli linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers, with one death reported. Following recalls and supplier changes, the fast-food chain has resumed onion sales as investigations continue.
E.coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Onions Affects Over 100 Customers
E.coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Onions Affects Over 100 Customers
Recent food safety issues have led to 104 illnesses and one death due to E.coli contamination from slivered onions on Quarter Pounder burgers.
In a troubling development for the fast-food industry, more than 100 people have fallen ill due to an E.coli outbreak linked to slivered onions served on McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that as of Wednesday, 104 individuals have reported illnesses, including 34 hospitalizations and one death registered in October.
The outbreak was traced back to onions supplied by Taylor Farms, prompting a recall after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified the contaminated onions as the likely source. McDonald’s has since announced that they have found a new supplier for onions and have resumed serving Quarter Pounders with the vegetable at affected locations.
CDC reports indicate that illnesses from the outbreak began between September 12 and October 21. The contaminated onions were distributed across several states, including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Idaho, and New Mexico.
As part of ongoing efforts to determine the extent of the outbreak, the FDA, in conjunction with state authorities, has collected onion and environmental samples from various McDonald's locations. Six individuals have developed a rare kidney condition known as haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) linked to the outbreak.
The FDA’s recent update has assured the public that there is no immediate food safety concern associated with McDonald’s operations. The agency indicated that it considers it "unlikely" the recalled onions were sold to consumers directly.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald's temporarily ceased the sale of Quarter Pounders with slivered onions in about 20% of its restaurants. Legal action has emerged against the fast-food giant, including a proposed class-action lawsuit.
McDonald’s CEO, Chris Kempczinski, expressed his regret over the situation, stating in a recent press conference, "We offer our sincere and deepest sympathies and we are committed to making this right." With an alternate supplier identified for the 900 affected restaurants, McDonald’s announced the resumption of onion sales over the past week, reaffirming its commitment to food safety.
