McDonald’s Reintroduces Quarter Pounders as E. coli Source Identified
McDonald’s has announced the return of Quarter Pounders to its menu after investigations ruled out beef patties as the source of a recent E. coli outbreak. The outbreak, which resulted in one death and at least 75 illnesses across 13 states, has been linked to slivered onions according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The FDA’s investigation suggests that slivered onions from a single supplier, Taylor Farms, are the likely source of contamination. The onions were sourced from a facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s took swift action by removing Quarter Pounders from menus in several states and eliminating slivered onions from the affected supply chain. The fast-food giant has also ceased sourcing onions from the Colorado Springs facility indefinitely. As Quarter Pounders return to menus, they will be served without slivered onions.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture conducted tests on beef patties, which conclusively ruled them out as the contamination source. Following this development, Taylor Farms issued a recall for yellow onions from the Colorado facility. Other fast-food chains in the affected areas also removed onions from their menus as a precautionary measure.
The outbreak’s impact was most severe in Colorado, which reported 26 illnesses. Additional cases were reported in Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, Missouri, Wyoming, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Washington. Some cases were linked to travel and consumption at McDonald’s during travel.
E. coli 0157:H7, the strain responsible for this outbreak, produces a dangerous toxin that can cause severe symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. The infection is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations.
The CDC reported that the outbreak involved infections occurring between September 27 and October 11. Health authorities continue to monitor and investigate the situation to prevent further spread of the infection.
As McDonald’s works to restore consumer confidence, the company emphasizes its commitment to food safety and the well-being of its customers. The reintroduction of Quarter Pounders marks a significant step in the chain’s recovery from this food safety incident.
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