McDonald’s Resumes Quarter Pounder Sales Following E. coli Investigation
McDonald’s has announced the return of Quarter Pounders to its menu after an E. coli outbreak investigation ruled out beef patties as the source of contamination. The outbreak, which resulted in one death and at least 75 illnesses across 13 states, prompted a thorough investigation by health authorities.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified uncooked slivered onions from a single supplier as the likely source of contamination. McDonald’s confirmed that Taylor Farms, with a facility in Colorado Springs, was the onion supplier in question. Testing conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture found no E. coli in beef patties, further supporting the focus on onions as the probable cause.
In response to these findings, McDonald’s has implemented several measures to ensure customer safety. Quarter Pounders will now be sold without slivered onions at affected restaurants. The fast-food giant has removed slivered onions from its supply chain and ceased sourcing from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility indefinitely. Approximately 900 restaurants were affected by these changes, including some locations in transportation hubs.
The impact of this outbreak has extended beyond McDonald’s. Taylor Farms preemptively recalled yellow onions from its Colorado facility, and other major fast-food chains, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King, have also pulled onions from their menus in certain areas as a precautionary measure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the illnesses linked to E. coli O157:H7 occurred between September 27 and October 11. Colorado reported the highest number of cases among the affected states.
Health officials remind the public that symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. The infection can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.
As the investigation continues, consumers are advised to stay informed about any updates from health authorities and to practice proper food safety measures at home.