McDonald’s is reintroducing its beloved Quarter Pounder after pulling it from menus in parts of the U.S. amid an E. coli outbreak.
A recent investigation identified a possible contamination linked with onions used in the burger, not the beef patties as initially suspected.
The burger chain has since made vital changes to ensure customer safety and confidence in the popular item.
Why McDonald’s Pulled Quarter Pounders in Certain Regions
Following reports of an E. coli outbreak among customers, McDonald’s decided to stop serving the Quarter Pounder in select locations.
The decision was based on preliminary findings linking the outbreak to slivered onions used in the burgers. An open letter from McDonald’s dated October 10 explained the temporary removal of the item in several regions to prevent any potential risk while the investigation continued.
States Affected by the RecallThe impacted locations were primarily in the following states:
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Utah
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
These states’ McDonald’s locations temporarily stopped serving Quarter Pounders while a deeper investigation occurred.
Investigation Results: Onion Contamination Likely Cause of Outbreak
The outbreak, which resulted in 75 reported illnesses, 22 hospitalizations, and one death across 13 states, had authorities conducting extensive testing to trace the contamination source. On October 27, McDonald’s announced a significant update:
the beef patties used in Quarter Pounders tested negative for E. coli in testing conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since identified the slivered onions as the “likely source of contamination.”
Key Details of the Investigation:
- Onions from Taylor Farms: The slivered onions suspected of contamination came from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility, which supplies McDonald’s with onions for the Quarter Pounder.
- Recall and Removal: Taylor Farms has recalled several of its onion products from this facility, and McDonald’s will no longer source onions.
- Temporary Ban on Slivered Onions: The Quarter Pounder will now return to menus without the slivered onions.
Quarter Pounders Return to Menus Without Slivered Onions
McDonald’s is now confident in returning the Quarter Pounder, but customers in affected regions will notice one fundamental change:
the burger will no longer contain slivered onions.
McDonald’s Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Piña announced that the company has instructed its beef suppliers to resume production and supply fresh patties, ensuring all Quarter Pounders will be available in stores over the next week.
“McDonald’s is now prepared to resume serving the Quarter Pounder in all restaurants, starting with the 900 locations affected by the recall,” Piña said in the company update.
“This will happen on a rolling basis, allowing delivery and restocking operations to meet demand.”
CDC Recommendations and E. Coli Symptoms to Watch For
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor the situation, emphasizing that those affected by E. coli generally recover within five to seven days.
However, the CDC urges anyone with severe symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
Common E. Coli Symptoms:
- Fever exceeding 102°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days or accompanied by blood
- Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth and reduced urination
- Severe vomiting preventing fluid intake
Safety Measures and Steps for Consumers
McDonald’s proactive approach—working with suppliers, halting onion use from the impacted facility, and temporarily removing the Quarter Pounder—reflects a commitment to consumer safety.
These actions, combined with ongoing communication from the FDA and CDC, aim to reduce the chance of future contamination.
Steps Taken by McDonald’s for Enhanced Safety:
1. Discontinued Onion Use: McDonald’s has indefinitely stopped sourcing slivered onions from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility.
2. Supplier Testing: Fresh beef patty production and testing will continue to ensure quality and safety.
3. Updated Supply Chain: A new supply of fresh patties has been coordinated with distributors for the impacted regions.
FAQs
The Quarter Pounder was temporarily removed due to an E. coli outbreak potentially linked to the slivered onions used in the burger. McDonald’s wanted to ensure consumer safety while investigating the source of contamination.
The investigation suggests that slivered onions sourced from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility were the likely cause of contamination, not the beef patties.
Quarter Pounders returning to affected areas will no longer contain slivered onions. McDonald’s has discontinued using onions from the supplier, which is tied to the outbreak.
The CDC advises anyone experiencing severe symptoms, such as high fever, prolonged diarrhea, dehydration, or vomiting, to contact their doctor immediately.
McDonald’s plans to resume sales of Quarter Pounds within the next week. Based on resupply operations, distribution will be rolled out gradually across impacted areas.
Conclusion:
McDonald’s handling of this E. coli outbreak demonstrates the chain’s commitment to customer safety. With fresh patties on the way and slivered onions removed from the ingredient list, McDonald’s aims to prevent future risks while keeping the Quarter Pounder experience unchanged.
The situation underscores the importance of rigorous supply chain protocols, helping the company maintain consumer trust amid health concerns.
As McDonald’s restores the Quarter Pounder to its menu, customers can enjoy the burger with added safety and quality assurance.
READ MORE: Free Popeyes Sandwiches: How to Get One