RECALL UPDATE: Onions Recalled by McDonald’s Supplier Over E.coli Outbreak Fears
According to News Week, Taylor Farms has issued a recall for several of its onion products due to potential E. coli (Escherichia coli) contamination, following an investigation into an outbreak associated with McDonald’s locations in at least 10 U.S. states. The outbreak, confirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 22, has resulted in 49 cases of E. coli infection, with 10 hospitalizations and one death.
Investigation Points to Slivered Onions and Beef Patties
The FDA has indicated that the outbreak may be connected to slivered onions or beef patties used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. In response, U.S. Foods has recalled four specific onion products supplied by Taylor Farms, which are suspected of contamination.
A notification sent to U.S. Foods customers on Tuesday confirmed the recall, urging locations to stop using and destroy any affected products immediately. The FDA’s investigation is ongoing, with officials collecting samples and working closely with state partners to determine the precise source of the outbreak.
FDA’s Traceback Efforts
The FDA spokesperson reported that the agency is using all available resources to confirm if Taylor Farms’ onions are the source. They’re collaborating with federal and state partners to trace distribution records and analyze samples. Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall of yellow onions, some of which were sent to other food service outlets, whose customers have been directly informed.
Symptoms and Risks of E. Coli Infection
E. coli infection symptoms can range from bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain to severe complications, including kidney issues or organ failure. Children, infants, and the elderly are most at risk. If symptoms develop, especially after consuming a Quarter Pounder from McDonald’s, the FDA advises seeing a healthcare provider immediately.
Affected Onion Products and Regional Impact
The recalled items include the following onion products:
- Yellow jumbo peeled pillow pack fresh, 30 lbs
- Yellow diced 3/8-inch pillow pack fresh, 4-5 lbs
- Yellow diced fresh, 5 lbs
- Yellow whole peeled fresh, 6-5 lbs
Slivered onions and specific beef patties have been removed from McDonald’s menus across impacted states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Colorado has reported the highest number of cases, with 26 residents infected after consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.
Precautions and Expert Insight
The FDA emphasized that diced onions and other McDonald’s beef patties are not currently implicated in the outbreak. Natalie Stanton, a food safety expert, commented that E. coli O157, the strain associated with this outbreak, is particularly harmful, as it can lead to serious foodborne illnesses. Stanton noted that, while some E. coli strains are harmless, others, like O157, are dangerous and highly contagious.
In light of this outbreak, McDonald’s patrons and those who may have consumed these onions should monitor for symptoms and prioritize food safety practices, including sanitizing surfaces and practicing thorough hand-washing after food preparation.
