Fast Food Staple Sparks Nationwide Recall and Health Concerns

"Recall" stamp on blurred store aisle background.

An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has triggered a massive onion recall and a stern health alert from the FDA.

At a Glance

Taylor Farms recalled thousands of cases of slivered yellow onions due to potential E. coli contamination.
The FDA has classified the contaminated onions as a Class I risk, indicating a high probability of serious health consequences or death.
As of November 13, 104 people across 14 states were infected, with 34 hospitalizations and one death reported.
The outbreak is linked to slivered onions served on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers in multiple states.
The FDA assures that there is no ongoing food safety concern at McDonald’s locations.

Widespread Outbreak Prompts Urgent Recall

A severe E. coli outbreak has sparked a major recall of slivered yellow onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. Taylor Farms, the supplier, recalled thousands of cases on October 22, 2024, affecting McDonald’s restaurants and other food service customers across multiple states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken the extraordinary step of designating this a Class I health risk, their highest level of alert.

The outbreak’s impact has been substantial, with 104 reported infections spanning 14 states as of November 13. Of those affected, 34 individuals required hospitalization, and tragically, one death has been reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the actual number of cases may be significantly higher, as many affected individuals may recover without seeking medical attention or undergoing testing.

E. COLI OUTBREAK UPDATE: Today, CDC added a list of states where McDonald’s has removed slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties from its stores. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept 27, 2024, to October 11, 2024. Call your healthcare provider if you have severe E.… pic.twitter.com/pIaG4ZVeth

— CDC (@CDCgov) October 23, 2024

Severity of the Outbreak

The FDA’s Class I risk classification underscores the gravity of the situation. According to the agency, this designation indicates a “reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” This sobering assessment has prompted urgent action from both regulatory bodies and the food industry.

“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli” – CDC

The bacterial strain responsible for this outbreak is known to cause thousands of infections and deaths annually in the United States. Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection can include fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and dehydration. In some cases, particularly among young children, the infection can lead to severe kidney injury, necessitating urgent medical intervention.

Ongoing Investigation and Response

The FDA, in collaboration with other agencies, is actively investigating the source of the contamination. Inspections are underway at a Taylor Farms processing center and an onion grower in Washington state. While FDA testing found a harmful E. coli strain in one onion sample, it did not match the outbreak strain, indicating that further investigation is needed to pinpoint the exact source.

McDonald’s has taken swift action by ceasing the use of slivered onions in affected states. The company has emphasized that diced onions, which are used in other menu items, are not implicated in the outbreak. The FDA has reassured the public that the recalled onions are now past their shelf life and no longer in circulation, stating that there is no ongoing food safety concern at McDonald’s locations.

Public Health Advisory

Health officials are urging consumers who may have eaten slivered onions at McDonald’s and are experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical care. The FDA and CDC continue to monitor the situation closely, with updates to be provided as new information becomes available. While the risk of illness is currently considered low due to the recall, authorities stress the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting any adverse events to healthcare providers.

As this outbreak unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of food safety measures and the need for constant vigilance in our food supply chain. Consumers, restaurants, and suppliers must remain alert and responsive to ensure the health and safety of the public.