Several popular restaurant chains have recently removed onions from their menus in certain regions due to an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively investigating the situation after 49 people reportedly fell ill, with one fatality and ten hospitalizations.
CDC Links E. Coli Outbreak to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder
On October 22, the CDC reported that the E. coli outbreak is believed to be linked to slivered onions explicitly used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers.
These onions were sourced from a single supplier and distributed to three primary centers. The CDC is currently assessing the impact and advising consumers to take precautions.
Taylor Farms Issues Onion Recall
As a proactive measure, Taylor Farms has issued a recall on particular yellow onions, including peeled, diced, and whole-peeled varieties.
Taylor Farms emphasized that these specific products should not be used, urging consumers and businesses to discontinue their use immediately. This recall aligns with food safety protocols following the potential contamination.
Burger King Responds with Cautionary Measures
A major fast-food competitor, Burger King, has also reacted to the outbreak. According to a statement, Burger King’s supply chain team reviewed its sources and found “no crossover with McDonald’s for the vast majority of our onion facilities.”
Burger King clarified that its restaurants primarily use whole, fresh onions sourced daily, significantly limiting contamination risk.
However, they acknowledged that a small percentage of Burger King locations, around 5%, receive whole onions distributed by Taylor Farms’ Colorado facility. Burger King took a preemptive approach by instructing these locations to immediately dispose of the potentially affected onions.
The company is actively restocking affected locations with supplies from other sources to ensure ongoing food safety.
Yum! Brands Also Pulls Onions from Select Restaurants
Yum! Brands, the parent company behind Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, also temporarily removed fresh onions from specific locations. In a statement, Yum! Brands shared that their decision is “out of an abundance of caution” due to the ongoing E.
coli concerns. While no specific illnesses were reported at these restaurants, they closely follow supplier and regulatory guidelines to safeguard their food offerings.
Yum! Brands reaffirmed their commitment to food safety and prioritized maintaining high-quality standards. Although they did not respond to additional media requests, the company would continue monitoring the situation closely.
McDonald’s Pauses Distribution of Slivered Onions and Some Menu Items
McDonald’s, at the heart of the issue, has taken swift action to address the outbreak by pausing the distribution of slivered onions in the impacted regions.
Cesar Piña, McDonald’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, announced through an internal memo that “all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply.”
As an added safety measure, McDonald’s has also temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from some menus in affected states.
The Quarter Pounder’s temporary removal directly responds to the CDC’s ongoing investigation. However, McDonald’s has assured customers that other items on the menu, including Cheeseburgers, Hamburgers, Big Macs, McDoubles, and Double Cheeseburgers, remain unaffected and safe to consume.
“We will continue to work with the CDC and are committed to providing timely updates as we restore our full menu,” Piña said.
Legal Action Begins: Victims File E. Coli Complaints
In the wake of the outbreak, a Colorado resident filed a formal complaint against McDonald’s, claiming illness after consuming a Quarter Pounder. This resident’s case may be one of many, as more affected individuals consider legal recourse.
Ron Simon & Associates, a law firm specializing in foodborne illness cases, has established a dedicated McDonald’s E. Coli Claim Center for victims of this outbreak. The claim center is designed to assist those seeking compensation or support during their recovery with online and phone contact options.
Safety Reminders: Precautionary Steps for Consumers
With this recent outbreak affecting major restaurant chains, consumers are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution. While the specific onions in question have been recalled, food safety experts recommend that anyone who has purchased yellow onions recently verify their source or dispose of them as a precaution.
FAQs: E. Coli Outbreak and Onion Recall
question answer
What caused the E. coli outbreak? The outbreak is linked to slivered onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers, distributed by a single supplier.
Which restaurants are affected? McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut have removed onions from some locations to prevent further risk.
What should consumers do with onions at home? As a precaution, consumers should verify the origin of any yellow onions they have at home or dispose of them.
What is Taylor Farms doing in response? Due to potential contamination concerns, Taylor Farms has issued a recall on peeled, diced, and whole peeled yellow onion packs.
Are other McDonald’s menu items affected? No. Only the Quarter Pounder has been impacted, while other burgers and menu items are safe to consume.
How can victims of the outbreak seek help? The law firm Ron Simon & Associates has opened a McDonald’s E. Coli Claim Center to assist affected individuals.
The Path Forward: Food Safety and Preventive Actions
As the CDC continues its investigation, consumers and businesses alike are urged to follow food safety guidelines. McDonald’s, Taylor Farms, and other restaurant chains actively work to prevent further incidents, cooperate with authorities, and keep the public informed. With a clear focus on protecting public health, each organization is committed to restoring customer confidence and food safety standards across its networks.
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