McDonald’s has reintroduced its popular Quarter Pounder to hundreds of locations after an investigation confirmed that beef patties were not linked to a recent E. coli outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified slivered onions from supplier Taylor Farms as the likely contamination source. To ensure customer safety, Quarter Pounders will be served without slivered onions. The outbreak, affecting 13 states, resulted in 22 hospitalizations and one death, with two cases developing kidney complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Onion Supplier and Response
The implicated onions came from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility. McDonald’s has since removed slivered onions from its supply chain and ceased sourcing from this facility. About 900 restaurants will now serve Quarter Pounders without onions.
Health and Testing Measures
Testing by the Colorado Department of Agriculture confirmed that McDonald’s beef patties were E. coli-free, leading to the product’s return. Taylor Farms has recalled yellow onions from its Colorado facility, although investigations are ongoing. Fast-food chains like Taco Bell and KFC have similarly removed onions from select items as a precaution.
Outbreak’s Geographic Impact
Colorado reported the highest number of cases, with additional cases in nearby states. The CDC has monitored cases from September 27 to October 11, all linked to E. coli strain 0157
