E. Coli Outbreak Forces Fast Food Chains to Remove Onions from Menus

In a troubling turn of events, major fast food chains in the United States, including McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, have taken the precautionary measure of removing fresh onions from their menus. This decision comes in the wake of a serious E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s, which has tragically resulted in one death and left 49 others ill.

The Source of the Outbreak

The outbreak is believed to be connected to fresh onions supplied by Taylor Farms, a California-based company. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that illnesses associated with this outbreak were confirmed between September 27 and October 11. Among the affected individuals, at least ten have been hospitalized, including a child who developed severe kidney complications due to the infection.

The specific item at the center of this health crisis is McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, which is served with raw onions. As a result, the burger has been pulled from approximately one-fifth of McDonald’s locations across several states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Fast Food Chains Respond

In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s has acted swiftly, removing the Quarter Pounder from its menu in affected areas. A spokesperson for Burger King confirmed that around 5% of their locations have also eliminated onions from their offerings. This widespread action reflects the seriousness of the situation and the commitment of these companies to ensure customer safety.

Eric Stelly, a resident of Greeley, Colorado, has taken legal action against McDonald’s after contracting an E. coli infection. Stelly reported eating at McDonald’s on October 4, only to fall ill two days later. His case has been confirmed as part of the outbreak, highlighting the personal impact of this public health crisis.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Investigations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that Taylor Farms was the supplier of the onions implicated in the outbreak. The agency has notified customers who received the recalled onions and is conducting further investigations. Notably, while beef patties are also under scrutiny, properly cooked beef is not a concern for E. coli, as the bacteria are killed during the cooking process. The primary risk arises from the consumption of raw onions.

Historical Context of Onion-Related Outbreaks

This is not the first time onions have been linked to foodborne illnesses. In 2015, Taylor Farms recalled a celery and onion mix used in Costco chicken salads after 19 people fell sick with E. coli. More recently, in 2022, a salmonella outbreak tied to diced onions from Gills Onions of Oxnard, California, resulted in 80 illnesses and one death. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by food safety regulators and the food industry in preventing such outbreaks.

Conclusion

As the investigation into the E. coli outbreak continues, fast food chains are taking proactive measures to protect their customers. The removal of fresh onions from menus is a significant step in addressing the immediate health risks associated with this outbreak. Consumers are urged to stay informed about food recalls and safety advisories, as the implications of such incidents can be far-reaching. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in the food supply chain.