Situation Overview
Current assessments by the CDC indicate a very low risk to the public, as the potentially contaminated onions are no longer in circulation. The CDC and other health agencies are investigating an E. coli O157. outbreak across multiple states. Many affected individuals report consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers prior to falling ill. In response, McDonald’s has suspended the use of slivered onions on the Quarter Pounder and other items in affected locations. The outbreak has been linked to fresh, slivered onions supplied by Taylor Farms, which has since issued a recall. Food service operators were notified directly, and the likelihood of contaminated onions reaching grocery stores or households is low.Recalled Product Details
The outbreak has primarily affected customers who consumed fresh, slivered onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers. While McDonald's initially pulled both onions and beef patties from these items, it’s now confirmed that onions are the probable cause. Taylor Farms subsequently recalled yellow onions distributed only to food service operators like restaurants, with no evidence suggesting they were sold in retail grocery stores.Recommended Actions for the Public
There is no need to avoid onions, as the contaminated supply is no longer in circulation. However, if you experience severe E. coli symptoms, such as:
Food service providers are advised to discard or refrain from serving the recalled yellow onions from Taylor Farms. Taylor Farms has notified all affected operators directly.Recognizing E. coli Symptoms
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli typically causes intense stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting within 3-4 days after ingestion. Although symptoms typically resolve within a week without medical treatment, some cases may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition requiring hospitalization.
Current assessments by the CDC indicate a very low risk to the public, as the potentially contaminated onions are no longer in circulation. The CDC and other health agencies are investigating an E. coli O157. outbreak across multiple states. Many affected individuals report consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers prior to falling ill. In response, McDonald’s has suspended the use of slivered onions on the Quarter Pounder and other items in affected locations. The outbreak has been linked to fresh, slivered onions supplied by Taylor Farms, which has since issued a recall. Food service operators were notified directly, and the likelihood of contaminated onions reaching grocery stores or households is low.Recalled Product Details
The outbreak has primarily affected customers who consumed fresh, slivered onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers. While McDonald's initially pulled both onions and beef patties from these items, it’s now confirmed that onions are the probable cause. Taylor Farms subsequently recalled yellow onions distributed only to food service operators like restaurants, with no evidence suggesting they were sold in retail grocery stores.Recommended Actions for the Public
There is no need to avoid onions, as the contaminated supply is no longer in circulation. However, if you experience severe E. coli symptoms, such as:
- Diarrhea with a fever over 102°F
- Persistent diarrhea lasting over three days
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting leading to dehydration or inability to keep liquids down
Food service providers are advised to discard or refrain from serving the recalled yellow onions from Taylor Farms. Taylor Farms has notified all affected operators directly.Recognizing E. coli Symptoms
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli typically causes intense stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting within 3-4 days after ingestion. Although symptoms typically resolve within a week without medical treatment, some cases may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition requiring hospitalization.
