CHICAGO — Slivered onions served as part of the McDonald’s Corp.’s Quarter Pounder menu item are believed to be the source of an E. coli outbreak that has been traced to as many as 10 states.
“The initial findings from the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers,” said Cesar Piña, chief supply chain officer of McDonald’s. “As a result, and in line with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply and we have paused the distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area.”
McDonald’s outlets in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming have been affected.
On Oct. 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Washington, reported it was investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to Quarter Pounders. At least 49 people reported becoming ill with 10 going to the hospital and one person from Colorado dying.
Preliminary traceback conducted by the CDC and distribution information reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showed that slivered onions are a “likely source of contamination,” according to the CDC. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is conducting traceback of hamburger patties to determine if ground beef also may be a source in the outbreak.
