McDonald’s has confirmed that Quarter Pounders will be back on the menu at hundreds of its restaurants after testing ruled out beef patties as the source of the E. coli outbreak. The outbreak, which has affected at least 75 people across 13 states and resulted in one death, is believed to be linked to slivered onions from a single supplier.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has identified Taylor Farms, a California-based produce company, as the supplier of the fresh onions used in the affected restaurants. The onions came from a facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. McDonald’s has decided to stop sourcing onions from this facility indefinitely.
Although the outbreak has expanded to 13 states, with Colorado reporting the most illnesses, testing has confirmed that beef patties were not the source of the contamination. McDonald’s has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its customers by removing slivered onions from the affected restaurants.
Other fast-food restaurants, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King, have also taken steps to remove onions from their menus in certain areas. The CDC and FDA are continuing to investigate the source of the outbreak, and Taylor Farms has recalled yellow onions from its Colorado facility.
Symptoms of E. coli poisoning can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and signs of dehydration. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with weakened immune systems.
It is crucial to stay informed about food safety and take necessary precautions to prevent foodborne illnesses. By following updates from health authorities and being mindful of the source of food products, we can help minimize the risk of outbreaks like this in the future. Stay safe and stay informed.
