McDonald’s E. coli O157:H7 crisis is believed to be linked to onions, according to research by CDC, FDA, USDA and FSIS investigators.
So far, there have been 49 recorded cases in the outbreak, resulting in one death and ten hospitalizations. Although ten states are believed to be affected, the fast food giant is taking precautions to reduce risks in neighbouring areas. According to the CDC, the states where McDonald’s “removed slivered onions and beef patties” are “Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.”
“McDonald’s is collaborating with investigation partners to determine what food ingredient in Quarter Pounders is making people sick. McDonald’s stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter-pounder beef patties in several states while the investigation is ongoing to identify the ingredient causing illness.” the CDC reported.
The FDA has warned consumers to be aware of symptoms which” begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food or up to nine days later. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems.”
The outbreak has worried other fast food chains, with Yum Brands and Burger King deciding to also remove onions from a number of restaurants.
“As we continue to monitor the recently reported E. coli outbreak, and out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively removed fresh onions from select Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants,” a spokesperson from Yum Brands commented. “We will continue following supplier and regulatory guidance to ensure the ongoing safety and quality of our food.”
In Burger King’s latest press release, the company stated; “Despite no contact from health authorities and no indications of illness, we proactively asked our 5% of restaurants who received whole onions distributed by this facility to dispose of them immediately two days ago and we are in the process of restocking them from other facilities.”
Today Taylor Farms was named as the main supplier of McDonald’s onions in the affected regions. They have not yet commented on the situation.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
