E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s traced to onions from Taylor Farms; one dead, 49 sick.

A serious E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s quarter pounders has resulted in one death and sickened 49 individuals across 10 states. The source? Onions from Taylor Farms in Salinas, California.

Taylor Farms has issued a recall for peeled whole and diced yellow onions due to the potential contamination. These onions were not only used in McDonald’s products but also distributed to several other fast-food chains, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King, all of which have since removed onions from their menus as a precautionary measure.

Federal investigators have traced the outbreak to raw sliced onions, linking them directly to the 49 reported cases of E. coli food poisoning, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming the connection to the quarter pounder burgers. Among the affected, at least 10 individuals have been hospitalized, with the majority of illnesses reported in Colorado and Nebraska, while cases extend as far west as Oregon and as far east as Wisconsin.

In response to this alarming health crisis, McDonald’s has proactively removed quarter pounder burgers from menus in 20% of its U.S. stores. This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in our food supply, prompting increased scrutiny and the need for vigilance when it comes to food safety.

Sources:

• MSN – McDonald’s E. coli outbreak: More fast food chains pull onions off menus

• MSN – Taylor Farms onions recalled amid investigation of McDonald’s E. coli outbreak

• NBC Bay Area – McDonald’s E. coli outbreak: Taylor Farms in Salinas investigated as potential source

• The Californian – Taylor Farms onions recalled amid McDonald’s E. coli outbreak

• ABC7 News – McDonald’s E. coli outbreak: Onions from Taylor Farms of Salinas deadly fast food food poisoning