McDonald’s removes contaminated products linked to E. coli outbreak
E. coli outbreak traced to onions, McDonald's takes action
All contaminated products linked to the E. coli outbreak that affected 75 individuals across 13 states, resulting in one death, have been completely removed from McDonald’s restaurants, the company confirmed on Sunday.
A McDonald’s spokesperson mentioned that the issue seems confined to a specific ingredient and region. The company is confident that any contaminated product associated with this outbreak has been eliminated from its supply chain and restaurants.
E. coli infections, initially reported on 27 September in Colorado, were connected to the recent consumption of Quarter Pounder hamburgers. The Food and Drug Administration, investigating the outbreak along with other authorities, identified slivered onions on the burgers as the probable contamination source.
On @Breakingviews: McDonald's is quickly addressing an E. coli outbreak by removing Quarter Pounders from select US outlets. While the fast-food chain may recover, Jennifer Saba warns this could worsen challenges for burger sales due to rising prices https://t.co/hFrA6Uv8EL pic.twitter.com/96d6IibAIO
— Reuters Business (@ReutersBiz) October 25, 2024
McDonald’s stated to a news that Taylor Farms supplied the onions, which the company ceased using as of 22 October. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that McDonald’s proactive measures have resulted in a ‘very low’ risk to the public. McDonald’s stressed the importance of its values, stating they prioritise people and always strive to do the right thing.
Colorado has reported 26 cases, making it the most affected state, while Montana reported 13 cases. Other cases emerged in Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Out of the 61 people whose information the CDC has, 22 were hospitalised, with two developing hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication that can lead to kidney failure.
McDonald’s expressed their commitment to addressing the situation for any customers who fell ill due to the outbreak. The company confirmed that Quarter Pounder beef patties are free from E. coli, ruling out the patties as the outbreak’s source.
Previously, McDonald’s had halted Quarter Pounder sales in the Colorado Springs area as a precaution but plans to resume distribution soon. Meanwhile, 900 stores will continue selling Quarter Pounders without slivered onions from Taylor Farms. McDonald’s announced last week they will indefinitely stop sourcing onions from this supplier. The last reported case of symptoms related to the E. coli outbreak occurred on 10 October.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NPR reports an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, affecting 75 people in 13 states, with a person deceased and 22 hospitalized.(read more)
- CDC reports 75 E. coli cases linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, with 22 hospitalizations, including a death and a child with HUS, emphasizing investigation into cebolla and carne fresca.
None.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Has McDonald’s removed all contaminated products linked to the E. coli outbreak?
Yes, McDonald’s confirmed they have removed all contaminated products.
What ingredient is believed to have caused the E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s?
Slivered onions on Quarter Pounder hamburgers are the likely source.
Which supplier provided the contaminated onions to McDonald’s?
Taylor Farms supplied the contaminated onions.
Is it safe to eat Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s now?
Yes, as McDonald’s has removed the contaminated onions and the risk is ‘very low’.
What measures has McDonald’s taken regarding the onion supplier?
McDonald’s has indefinitely stopped sourcing onions from Taylor Farms.
