A California-based produce company was identified as the source of fresh onions linked to a deadly E. coli food poisoning outbreak at McDonald’s, according to officials from the restaurant chain. In response, other fast-food restaurants such as Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King have also removed onions from some of their menus.
McDonald’s officials stated that Taylor Farms, located in Salinas, California, had sent onions to one distribution facility, prompting the fast-food chain to remove Quarter Pounder hamburgers from restaurants in several states. The specific facility was not disclosed by McDonald’s.
An outbreak associated with the burgers has affected at least 49 individuals in 10 states, resulting in one death, as reported by federal health officials. Investigators are focusing on slivered onions as a potential source of the infections.
U.S. Foods, a major wholesaler serving restaurants nationwide, announced on Thursday that Taylor Farms had issued a recall for peeled whole and diced yellow onions due to potential E. coli contamination. The recalled onions originated from a Taylor Farms facility in Colorado, as confirmed by a U.S. Foods spokesperson. However, U.S. Foods clarified that it is not a supplier to McDonald’s and that its recall does not affect any products sold at the fast-food chain’s restaurants.
Taylor Farms did not respond to several requests for comments.
Officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did not confirm whether the agency is investigating Taylor Farms. A spokesperson mentioned on Thursday that the agency is examining all possible sources of the outbreak.
Meanwhile, other national restaurant chains have temporarily halted the use of fresh onions.
“As we continue to monitor the recently reported E. coli outbreak, and as a precautionary measure, we have proactively removed fresh onions from select Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC restaurants,” stated Yum Brands.
Yum Brands, based in Louisville, Kentucky, did not disclose the locations where onions were removed or whether the company shares the same supplier as McDonald’s. Yum Brands affirmed that it will adhere to guidance from regulators and its suppliers.
Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, reported on Thursday that 5% of its restaurants use onions distributed by Taylor Farms’ Colorado facility. Burger King establishments receive deliveries of whole, fresh onions, which are then washed, peeled, and sliced by employees.
Despite not being contacted by health officials and having no reports of illness, Restaurant Brands instructed restaurants that received onions from the Colorado facility to dispose of them two days ago. The company is replenishing its supply with onions from alternative suppliers.
Chipotle stated on Thursday that it does not source onions from Taylor Farms or use any ingredients from the Colorado facility.
Onions have been implicated in previous outbreaks. In 2015, Taylor Farms recalled a celery and onion mix used in Costco chicken salads after 19 people fell ill with E. coli. Last year, an outbreak of salmonella poisoning linked to bagged diced onions from Gills Onions of Oxnard, California, resulted in 80 illnesses and one fatality.
At least 10 individuals have been hospitalized in the McDonald’s outbreak, including a child who developed a severe kidney disease complication as a result of the infection. Illnesses were confirmed between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The victims were infected with E. coli 0157:H7, a bacterium that produces a dangerous toxin. This type of infection causes about 74,000 cases annually in the U.S., leading to over 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths each year, as reported by the CDC.
A man from Greeley, Colorado, has filed a lawsuit against McDonald’s after contracting an E. coli infection. In his lawsuit filed this week, Eric Stelly claimed that he consumed food from a local McDonald’s on Oct. 4 and became ill two days later. After seeking emergency care, health officials confirmed that his infection was part of the outbreak.
Symptoms of E. coli poisoning can manifest rapidly, within one or two days of consuming contaminated food. Typical symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, and signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, increased thirst, and dizziness. This infection poses a particular risk to children under 5, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
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