Health Officials Declare End To E. Coli Outbreak
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it has officially closed its investigation into an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. The outbreak affected 104 individuals across 14 states, with 34 hospitalizations and one fatality in Colorado. The FDA identified raw, slivered onions as the likely source of the contamination, which was traced to the signature burgers.
The onions have since been recalled, and no new illnesses have been reported since McDonald’s removed the product from its menu on October 22. Despite limited evidence, investigators found that samples of the recalled onions, supplied by Taylor Farms, and an environmental sample from a Washington State onion grower tested positive for E. coli. However, these samples did not match the strain found in those who became ill. Interviews with affected individuals and distributor data pointed to the yellow onions as the probable cause, with approximately 84% of the sickened individuals having consumed menu items containing slivered onions.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s announced that it would stop using onions from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility. The company expressed gratitude to public officials for their thorough investigation and swift action. McDonald’s also confirmed that restaurants affected by the outbreak have resumed serving Quarter Pounders with slivered onions sourced from alternative suppliers.
Despite the closure of the investigation, several lawsuits have been filed against McDonald’s, including a proposed class action. The E. coli strain typically causes mild symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In more severe cases, it can lead to kidney disease or neurological complications. The CDC has warned that some individuals could develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure.
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