Health officials are urging fast food chains to remove a key ingredient from menus immediately after E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s.
Health experts urge fast-food chains to remove one particular ingredient amid McDonald’s E coli outbreak
A recent outbreak of E. coli has raised serious concerns about food safety in fast-food restaurants.
Health officials are urging chains like McDonald’s to remove a specific ingredient from their menus immediately.
This warning comes after multiple cases of illness were reported, all linked to the same source.
This outbreak has affected at least 49 individuals across 10 states.
It has prompted other food chains, including those under the Yum! Brands umbrella, to follow suit.
CDC investigates E. Coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s restaurants
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated an investigation into the E. coli outbreak that spread across the country.
Those who fell ill with the bacteria had reportedly dined at McDonald’s establishments before contracting the virus.
This was particularly after consuming a Quarter Pounder, which has since been removed from the menu.
Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in 10 hospitalizations and one death in Colorado.
McDonald’s owner Yum! Brands has taken precautionary measures by removing fresh onions from select restaurants.
They believe this ingredient to be the source of the outbreak.
Various McDonald’s locations in states such as Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, and others, as well as specific branches of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, have also removed fresh onions from their offerings in response to the situation.
The brand has emphasized its commitment to food safety.
They are closely following supplier and regulatory guidance to ensure the quality and safety of their products.
“We will continue following supplier and regulatory guidance to ensure the ongoing safety and quality of our food,” the brand added.
In a separate development, U.S. Foods, one of the nation’s major food distributors, issued a recall.
The recall affects raw diced, peeled, and whole peeled onions from its supplier, Taylor Farms Colorado.
This action was taken due to potential E. coli contamination.
“The reason for the recall is due to potential E. coli contamination,” reads the notice.
McDonald’s clarified that the recall of fresh onions is not linked to the removal of Quarter Pounders from their menu.
They mentioned that Taylor Farms, the supplier in question, also provided onions to McDonald’s in the affected areas.
Burger King takes precautionary measures with onions amid E. Coli concerns
Regarding Burger King, owned by Restaurant Brands International, they have not been contacted by health authorities about the onions used in their recipes.
However, as a proactive measure, they have instructed their restaurants to dispose of the onions obtained from Taylor Farms’ Colorado facility.
“Despite no contact from health authorities and no indications of illness, we proactively asked our five percent 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,” the group said.
Understanding E. Coli contamination and its symptoms
The Mayo Clinic highlights that E. coli contamination can occur through foods like raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef.
Symptoms of this contamination include diarrhea, stomach cramping, and nausea.
While most healthy adults recover within a week, children under five are at higher risk if they contract a severe strain.
Despite the challenges posed by the E. coli outbreak, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger reassured consumers that food safety remains their top priority.
He emphasized that customers can confidently dine at McDonald’s and enjoy their classic menu items without worry.