Out of all the hazards we face in our daily sandwich, who would have thought that onions could be the culprit?
At a Glance
- E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder onions.
- Nationwide recall affects Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and more.
- 49 reported cases, severe illnesses, one death confirmed.
- FDA and CDC continue investigation into the contamination source.
Retailers Respond to Outbreak
Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut have made swift decisions to remove onions from various locations. McDonald’s has not only removed slivered onions but also paused the sale of Quarter Pounders in multiple states due to this E. coli debacle. Yum! Brands, the parent of Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, confirmed their actions as precautionary measures to protect consumers from the potentially harmful effects of the outbreak.
E. coli outbreaks can have severe health impacts, causing hospitalizations and even deaths, as evidenced by the tragic outcomes reported by the CDC. Taylor Farms, identified as the onion supplier, has taken stringent steps by recalling certain onion products. This recall affects distribution centers across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico.
McDonald’s and Its Embattled Quarter Pounder
The Quarter Pounder has been temporarily removed from menus in affected areas. McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger stated, “We took swift action yesterday to remove the Quarter Pounder from our menu,” ensuring that their signature burger no longer carries the risk of E. coli contamination.
Collaboration with health authorities is well underway, aiming to pinpoint and resolve the contamination issue. The ongoing investigation from the FDA and CDC is crucial for determining the ultimate source and extent of the outbreak. There’s a glaring need for immediate transparency and resolution.