Update - E. coli Outbreak Linked to Quarter Pounders, Onions Recalled

CDC provided an update of the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonalds quarter pounders. There are now 77 cases with 22 hospitalizations and 1 death across 13 states. With the federal inspectors focusing in on sliced onions, the supplier, Taylor Farms has recalled whole peeled and diced onions.

This is not the first foodborne illness outbreak linked to onions. 

In 2023, there was a Salmonella outbreak linked to chopped fresh onions from a CA processor. (link)

In 2021, a Salmonella outbreak with 652 was linked to imported onions. (link)

In 2020, a Salmonella outbreak with 1,127 cases (link) 

FDA published their investigation into the 2020 outbreak, and stated potential causes.  If considering how contamination events can occur to an item like onions, one can reflect on this.

While our investigation did not occur during any harvesting activities, visual observations of the implicated red onion growing fields suggested several plausible opportunities for contamination including irrigation water, sheep grazing on adjacent land, as well as signs of animal intrusion, such as scat and large flocks of birds which may spread contamination. Similarly, the investigation did not occur while packing activities were ongoing. However, visual observations and records review of packing house practices confirmed numerous opportunities for spread of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, including signs of animal and pest intrusion as well as food contact surfaces which had not been inspected, maintained, cleaned, or sanitized as frequently as necessary to protect against the contamination of produce. 

CDC information on this outbreak.

Fast Facts
Cases: 75 (26 new)
Hospitalizations: 22 (12 new)
Deaths: 1 (0 new)
States: 13 (3 new)

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-mcdonalds-quarter-pounders-october-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Outbreak Investigations & Safety Advisories

FDA Human Foods Program

Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: McDonald’s Quarter Pounders

October 25, 2024

The FDA, USDA FSIS, CDC, and state partners continue to work quickly and collaboratively to investigate and identify the source of illnesses linked to E. coli contamination in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. 

As of October 24, 75 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 13 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept 27, 2024, to October 10, 2024. Of 61 people with information available, 22 have been hospitalized, and 2 people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado. Of the 42 people interviewed, all 42 (100%) report eating at McDonald’s, and 39 people report eating a beef hamburger.

FDA is using all available tools to confirm if onions are the source of this outbreak. This includes working with federal and state partners and the companies involved to collect and evaluate records and distribution information as part of our traceback investigation. FDA and state partners are also collecting onion samples for analysis.

While the investigation is ongoing, Taylor Farms, the supplier of slivered onions for the affected McDonald’s locations, has initiated a voluntary recall. Recalled yellow onions were sold to additional food service customers. Customers who received recalled onions have been directly notified of the recall.

FDA is working closely with the implicated firms and will continue to provide updates as they become available, including any additional recalls or notifications that might be needed for recipients of recalled onions.

At this time, FDA is not aware of any cases or affected product outside of the United States.

More information will be provided as it becomes available. 

https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html
E. coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders
Food safety alert
Investigation start date: October 22, 2024
Investigation status: Open
Recall issued: Yes

New as of 10/25: More illnesses have been reported and everyone interviewed continues to report eating at McDonald’s before their illness started. The most recent illness started on October 10. Taylor Farms has initiated a voluntary recall of some onions sent to food service operators. Due to the product actions taken by both companies, CDC believes the risk to the public is very low.

Fast Facts
Cases: 75 (26 new)
Hospitalizations: 22 (12 new)
Deaths: 1 (0 new)
States: 13 (3 new)

Situation summary

CDC, FDA, USDA FSIS, and public health officials in multiple states are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. Most people in this outbreak are reporting eating the Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald’s before becoming sick. It is not yet known which specific food ingredient is contaminated.

McDonald’s is collaborating with investigation partners to determine what food ingredient in Quarter Pounders is making people sick. McDonald’s stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in several states while the investigation is ongoing to identify the ingredient causing illness.

Taylor Farms, the supplier of slivered onions to the affected McDonald’s locations, has initiated a voluntary recall and has asked customers to stop using some onions while this investigation is ongoing. Food service customers were contacted directly and told to remove onions.