Quarter Pounder Returns to Menus After E. Coli Concerns

The fast-food chain is confident in the safety of its beef patties and has taken action to address contamination concerns linked to an E. coli outbreak.

Following a significant E. coli outbreak, McDonald's has announced that it will resume the sale of Quarter Pounder burgers across all U.S. locations. This decision comes after comprehensive testing of beef patty samples by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), which confirmed that they were free from the bacteria. The outbreak, which unfortunately led to one death and numerous illnesses, prompted McDonald's to halt the sale of Quarter Pounders in about 20% of its U.S. restaurants.

Cesar Piña, McDonald’s North America Chief Supply Chain Officer, stated that the issue appears to have been localized to a specific ingredient and geographic region. He expressed confidence that any contaminated products related to this outbreak have been eradicated from their supply chain.

Previously, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had raised concerns regarding slivered onions used in Quarter Pounders as a possible source of the outbreak. In response, McDonald's has ceased its partnership with the onion supplier and eliminated those onions from their products. The 900 participating restaurants that had previously received slivered onions from Taylor Farms' Colorado Springs facility are now set to offer Quarter Pounders without slivered onions.

Despite the resumption of sales, McDonald's is facing multiple lawsuits from individuals who became ill during the outbreak, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding food safety and corporate liability.