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Investigation into E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Concludes

The U.S. government announced on Tuesday that it has officially closed its investigation into an E. coli outbreak associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, stating that no further safety risks are present.

This outbreak, which began in late October, resulted in 104 reported cases across 14 states, with 34 individuals requiring hospitalization. Tragically, one fatality occurred in Colorado, and several others experienced severe complications including a serious kidney disease.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and various state health departments, traced the origin of the outbreak to yellow onions supplied by Taylor Farms of California, which were served raw in the Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s restaurants in multiple states, including Colorado and Kansas. Following the outbreak, Taylor Farms executed a voluntary recall of their yellow onions on October 22.

Health officials in Colorado conducted thorough testing of the onions and environmental samples but did not find the specific E. coli strain responsible for the illnesses. However, they maintained that the evidence indicated recalled yellow onions were almost certainly the source of the outbreak.

“McDonald’s is no longer serving recalled onions and there does not appear to be a continued food safety concern related to this outbreak,” the FDA stated in its recent announcement.

In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s temporarily removed Quarter Pounders from approximately 20% of its U.S. locations. However, the fast-food chain found an alternative onion supplier and reintroduced the burgers with slivered onions in all U.S. restaurants last month.

A representative from McDonald’s Canada has clarified that the E. coli issues have not impacted its operations in Canada, indicating a localized nature of the outbreak.

Source
www.cbc.ca