McDonald’s recently confirmed that its Quarter Pounder beef patties are not the source of the E. coli outbreak, affecting at least 75 people across 13 states. most cases were reported in Colorado. Investigations by health officials suspected the patties used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders to be the source of contamination. However, testing conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture found no evidence of E. coli in the patties, leading McDonald’s to restore Quarter Pounders to its menus in affected areas.
The investigation now leads to the onions, supplied by Taylor Farms and used in the Quarter Pounder, as the likely cause of the outbreak. McDonald’s has stopped sourcing these onions and has removed them from restaurants in affected areas, including parts of Colorado, Kansas, and nearby states. The FDA and CDC continue collaborating with McDonald’s and public health authorities to figure out the root cause. McDonald’s is replacing its beef supplies in affected areas and will begin a gradual rollout of Quarter Pounders, now served without the suspected onions.
The CDC has warned that cases might rise as awareness grows, and individuals who recently consumed contaminated food should seek medical attention. McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger published an apology, reassuring customers that the company is committed to the safety of its products. While McDonald’s continues to work closely with health agencies to resolve the issue, other fast-food chains have proactively pulled onions from some of their locations as a precaution.
