In this article, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating whether Taylor Farms, a supplier for McDonald’s, is the potential source of the E. coli outbreak associated with Quarter Pounder hamburgers. The outbreak has resulted in at least one fatality and nearly 50 illnesses.
U.S. Foods, a distributor, informed customers that Taylor Farms had recalled four raw onion products as a precautionary measure due to possible E. coli contamination. Customers, including restaurants, were advised to discontinue the use of and dispose of the affected products promptly.
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suspect that slivered onions served on the hamburgers are the probable cause of the contamination. The FDA spokesperson confirmed that the agency is investigating Taylor Farms and exploring all potential sources of the outbreak.
As of the latest update, 49 individuals have been affected by E. coli infections related to the outbreak. One fatality has been reported, and 10 individuals, including a child with hemolytic uremic syndrome, have been hospitalized.
Certain Colorado restaurant chains, such as Illegal Pete’s and Taco Bell, have also removed onions from their menus following the recall. No cases of E. coli illnesses have been linked to these restaurants.
The origin of the onions used by McDonald’s was previously unknown, as neither the restaurant chain nor public health officials had disclosed the sourcing information or whether the onions were distributed to other establishments.
A McDonald’s representative stated that the raw onions were obtained from a single supplier and processed at a single facility. The onions are sliced, packaged as raw vegetables in individual bags at the facility, and then distributed to restaurants.
Taylor Farms, a California-based producer of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment. The E. coli strain involved in the outbreak, O157:H7, produces a potent toxin that can harm the small intestine.
Health officials anticipate a rise in the number of cases associated with the outbreak.
