Recent Outbreak of E. coli Linked to Onions Served on McDonald’s Quarter Pounders
According to federal health officials, at least 104 individuals have fallen ill, with 34 requiring hospitalization, due to an outbreak of E. coli food poisoning associated with onions served on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disclosed that cases have been identified in 14 states, with one fatality in Colorado and four individuals experiencing a potentially life-threatening kidney disease complication.
Colorado accounted for the highest number of cases at 30, followed by Montana with 19 cases, Nebraska with 13 cases, New Mexico with 10 cases, and additional cases in other states such as Missouri, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, Michigan, Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The reported illnesses occurred between September 12 and October 21, with a notable association of at least seven affected individuals who consumed McDonald’s food while traveling. The CDC indicated that the likely source of the outbreak was slivered onions served on the Quarter Pounders. Following this discovery, Taylor Farms, a California-based produce grower, issued a recall for onions that could potentially be linked to the outbreak.
Despite the detection of a type of E. coli bacteria in a sample of the onions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which produces a dangerous toxin, there was no match to the strain responsible for the reported illnesses. Consequently, Quarter Pounders were temporarily removed from menus in various states, with McDonald’s identifying an alternative supplier for the affected 900 restaurants. Currently, these restaurants have resumed the sale of Quarter Pounders with slivered onions.
Official statements from the FDA have reassured the public that there are no ongoing food safety concerns related to this outbreak at McDonald’s outlets. The particular strain of bacteria implicated in this incident leads to around 74,000 infections annually in the United States, resulting in over 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths per year as per data from the CDC.
Individuals affected by E. coli experience symptoms rapidly, usually within one to two days of consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, along with signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, heightened thirst, and dizziness. Young children, particularly those under the age of 5, are at a higher risk of developing a severe kidney injury as a result of E. coli poisoning, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
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