A multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 has been traced to slivered onions used on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers, with federal and state health authorities continuing their investigation. As of today, 104 confirmed cases of the outbreak strain have been reported across 14 states, resulting in 34 hospitalizations and one death.
The outbreak, which has primarily affected McDonald’s customers, has raised concerns about food safety. Of the 81 people interviewed by investigators, 80 (99%) reported eating at McDonald’s, with the majority identifying menu items that included fresh slivered onions. Health authorities are particularly focused on the onions, as 84% of those who could recall specific menu items said they had consumed a Quarter Pounder or similar burger that contained the suspect ingredient.
Health Impact:
- Total cases: 104 confirmed cases in 14 states
- Hospitalizations: 34 people have been hospitalized, with 4 developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can lead to kidney failure.
- Fatality: One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado, who was not among those who developed HUS.
Ongoing Investigation:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health agencies are working together to track the source of the contaminated onions. As part of the investigation, samples have been collected from McDonald’s stores, distribution centers, and relevant suppliers for analysis.
Although an FDA sample of recalled onions tested positive for a non-O157:H7 strain of E. coli, it was not linked to the outbreak strain. The sample was identified as E. coli O168:H8, which is not connected to the reported illnesses. The FDA continues to analyze additional samples to determine if there are further links to the outbreak.
Recalls and Safety Measures:
- Onion recall: On October 22, 2024, Taylor Farms, a major onion supplier, issued a recall of yellow onions after being linked to the outbreak. These onions were supplied to McDonald’s for use in their Quarter Pounder burgers. Taylor Farms also notified food service customers to stop selling or serving the recalled onions.
- McDonald’s response: In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s has halted the use of slivered onions from the affected supplier and has reintroduced slivered onions from a different supplier to its full menu.
- Distribution: Recalled onions are not available for sale in grocery stores, and food service customers have been instructed not to distribute the recalled products further.
FDA officials have completed inspections at a Taylor Farms processing center in Colorado, as well as an onion grower’s facility in Washington state. Investigators continue to work with suppliers to determine if additional product recalls are necessary.
Current Status:
As of now, there are no ongoing food safety concerns related to McDonald’s menu items, and the company has taken immediate steps to ensure the safety of its food supply. Investigators continue to monitor the situation closely, with more updates expected as new information becomes available.
Health officials are urging consumers who may have purchased food containing slivered onions from McDonald’s in the affected states to be aware of symptoms of E. coli infection, which can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Anyone who suspects they may have been affected should seek medical attention promptly.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone who has information related to the outbreak to come forward as they continue to track the source and scope of the contamination.
FDA: Case Count Map Provided by CDC
FDA: Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Taylor Farms Yellow Onions
Distribution has been confirmed for states shown below, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states.
FDA’s Case Count
Total Illnesses: 104
Hospitalizations: 34
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 21, 2024
States with Cases: CO, IA, KS, MI, MO, MT, NE, NM, NC, OR, UT, WA, WI, and WY
Recalled Onion Distribution*: CO, IA, ID, KS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, OK, UT, and WY
