This is disturbing.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has uncovered multiple food safety violations at Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility, which was linked to a deadly E. coli outbreak last year that affected over 100 individuals. These violations were discovered in an inspection report obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. The issues included unsanitary equipment, improper handling of ready-to-eat (RTE) produce, and employees failing to use handwashing stations. The violations prompted the FDA to issue Taylor Farms a Form 483, citing health risks due to the unsafe conditions found during the inspection.
Taylor Farms, which supplied onions for McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers, responded by stating that they took immediate steps to address the findings. They emphasized that no illnesses were directly tied to the violations. McDonald’s had already stopped sourcing from the Colorado Springs facility before the inspection findings were released. The company reinforced its commitment to food safety, asserting that they hold all suppliers to strict standards.
The E. coli outbreak, which resulted in 104 people being sickened and 34 hospitalized, was linked to raw slivered onions. While a sample from the recalled onions tested positive for E. coli, it did not match the strain found in the infected individuals. Despite this, investigators concluded that the onions were likely the source of the contamination. Interviews with those affected indicated that most had consumed menu items containing the onions, leading to the conclusion that they were the cause of the outbreak.
McDonald’s quickly responded to the outbreak by discontinuing the use of onions from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility and worked to identify alternative suppliers. They later resumed serving Quarter Pounder burgers with slivered onions from new sources at affected locations. McDonald’s has continued to emphasize its commitment to food safety, despite facing several lawsuits in connection with the outbreak.
The E. coli strain involved in the outbreak can cause symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, with more severe cases potentially leading to kidney failure and other health issues. The FDA’s investigation into the violations at Taylor Farms highlights the importance of strict food safety practices to prevent such outbreaks in the future.
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