McDonald's E. coli outbreak linked to onions by CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued one update Confirmation that the onion slices were served McDonald's Quarter Pounder Hamburgers “are the likely source” of the recent E. coli outbreak.

With 90 cases reported, including 15 newly identified, the CDC is reassuring the public that it believes the current risk is “high.”very low“, follows quick action acquired by McDonald's and its supplier Taylor Farms.

The outbreak resulted in 27 hospitalizations and one death. According to the CDC, while additional cases have emerged, they occurred before the onions were removed from food service establishments. The most affected persons reported eating McDonald's Quarter Pounders with the signature onion slices before she became ill.

In response, McDonald's pulled the onions and removing beef patties from their menus to determine the source of the contamination. The fast food giant has announced that it will offer its Quarter Pounders again – without the onions.

In addition, Burger King (QSR+0.63%), along with Yum! Branded Pizza Hut (Yummy+0.97%), Taco Bell and KFC REMOVED diced onions unlimited.

The likely culprit is Taylor Farms yellow onions, which have since disappeared called back. Food service operators were ordered to stop selling the recalled onions and “destroy” all remaining stocks. It's important to note that these onions were distributed exclusively to restaurants and therefore are unlikely to have made their way into grocery stores.

While the investigation continues, the CDC encourages anyone experiencing symptoms of E. coli, such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting or dehydration, to contact their doctor.