A deadly E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has claimed one life and hospitalized dozens, triggering a massive onion recall and FDA’s highest risk alert.
At a Glance
- Taylor Farms recalled thousands of cases of slivered yellow onions due to E. coli contamination
- 104 people across 14 states infected, 34 hospitalized, 1 death reported
- FDA classifies outbreak as Class I risk, indicating highest level of health hazard
- McDonald’s has stopped using slivered onions in affected states
- Outbreak ongoing, but FDA confirms no current food safety risk at McDonald’s
E. Coli Outbreak Traced to McDonald’s Onions
The FDA has issued its highest risk alert for an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. The culprit? Slivered yellow onions supplied by Taylor Farms. This isn’t just another recall; it’s a wake-up call about the fragility of our food supply chain and the potential consequences of lax oversight. And a warning against eating fast food for a while.
The outbreak has already affected 104 people across 14 states, with 34 hospitalizations and one fatality. These numbers are likely just the tip of the iceberg. The CDC suggests the actual number of cases may be significantly higher, as many affected individuals may recover without seeking medical attention or getting tested.
FDA & CDC support notice tonight recalling slivered onions believed to be implicated in recent outbreak of a dangerous E Coli strain. This is fast work by both agencies helped by McDonalds strong oversight of its supply chain and its tracing capabilities https://t.co/MMbh2p3cDS pic.twitter.com/WBaqkiu762
— Scott Gottlieb, MD (@ScottGottliebMD) October 24, 2024
FDA’s Highest Risk Classification
The FDA isn’t taking any chances with this outbreak. They’ve classified it as a Class I risk, the most severe category in their system. This classification isn’t handed out lightly; it’s reserved for situations where there’s a “reasonable probability” of serious health consequences or death from exposure to the contaminated product.
There is a “reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” a statement from the FDA reads.
This stern warning from the FDA should serve as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety regulations and oversight. It’s precisely these types of incidents that underscore why we need a robust regulatory framework to protect public health.
Widespread Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The recall has affected McDonald’s restaurants and other food service customers across multiple states. Colorado reported the highest number of infections, but the outbreak has touched lives from Montana to Wisconsin. While the FDA has found a harmful E. coli strain in one onion sample, it doesn’t match the outbreak strain, highlighting the complexity of tracing foodborne illnesses.
“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,” the CDC said.
McDonald’s has taken swift action, removing slivered onions from its menu in affected states. While this is a necessary step, it raises questions about the company’s supplier vetting process and quality control measures. How did contaminated onions make it into one of the world’s largest fast-food chains?
