US health authorities announced Wednesday that slivered onions used by McDonald’s were the source of an E. coli outbreak that affected 90 people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “fresh, slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders and other menu items from McDonald’s” are likely responsible for the spread of the bacteria.
The onions, supplied by Taylor Farms, were recalled voluntarily and McDonald’s has temporarily removed them from its menu items. In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s temporarily halted sales of its Quarter Pounder burgers at locations in a dozen states where cases were reported. To date, 90 people have been affected with 27 requiring hospitalization.
Tragically, an elderly man in Colorado lost his life due to complications associated with the infection. Following rigorous testing, McDonald’s announced Sunday that it would resume Quarter Pounder sales after tests for E. coli returned negative.
E. coli bacteria can cause symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting that typically last three to four days. While most individuals recover without medical treatment, some cases can lead to severe complications.
