E. coli outbreak linked to onions served at McDonald’s | E. coli infection

Situation overview

The CDC, FDA, USDA-FSIS, and public health officials in several states are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. Most people in this outbreak report eating the Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald’s before getting sick. McDonald’s stopped using sliced ​​onions on the Quarter Pounder hamburger in some states to try to prevent more people from getting sick.

Epidemiological and surveillance data indicate that fresh, cut onions are the likely source of illness in this outbreak. Taylor Farms, the supplier of sliced ​​onions to the affected McDonald’s locations, also recalled onions. Food service companies were contacted directly by Taylor Farms. The likelihood that contaminated onions are still available for sale is low.

Recalled food

Scallions served on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers probably made people sick.

• Most ill people in this outbreak reported eating a McDonald’s menu item containing fresh, sliced ​​onions before becoming ill.

• McDonald’s pulled fresh sliced ​​onions and fresh quarter-pound beef patties while a specific food ingredient was determined to be the source of illness. The likely source is now believed to be onions.

Taylor Farms recalled yellow onions

• Food service operators were contacted directly and asked not to sell or serve recalled onions.

• The onions were only distributed to food service companies, such as restaurants. It is unlikely that recalled onions went to grocery stores or directly to consumers.

What you should do

Because these onions were recalled and are no longer available for sale to food service operators, it is not necessary to avoid eating onions or other foods made with onions.

Call your doctor if you feel seriously ill E.coli symptoms:

• Diarrhea and fever higher than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that does not improve
  • Bloody diarrhea
• So much vomiting that you can’t keep fluids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as:
  • Not peeing much
  • Dry mouth and throat
  • Feeling dizzy when standing up

What companies should do

• Food service operators should not sell, eat or serve Taylor Farms’ recalled yellow onions.
• Taylor Farms contacted companies directly.