In a precautionary measure following an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC restaurants in the United States have removed fresh onions from select locations.
The announcement came Thursday from Yum Brands, the parent company of the three chains. While food-safety officials investigating the Quarter Pounder-related outbreak haven’t linked any cases to Taco Bell or the other Yum brands, the company is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of its customers.
“We will continue following supplier and regulatory guidance to ensure the ongoing safety and quality of our food,” a Yum spokeswoman said. The company declined to specify how many restaurants removed the onions or where they were located.
McDonald’s E. coli Outbreak
The E. coli outbreak associated with Quarter Pounders has sickened at least 49 people, hospitalized 10, and resulted in one death. Cases have been reported in 10 states, with the highest number of cases in Nebraska and Colorado.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS), and public health officials in multiple states are investigating the outbreak. Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 reported eating the Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald’s before becoming sick.
McDonald’s is collaborating with investigators to determine the contaminated food ingredient in Quarter Pounders. As a precaution, the chain has stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in several states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Symptoms of E. coli
Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Symptoms typically start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria. While most people recover without treatment, some may develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalization.
If you have severe E. coli symptoms, such as diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F, diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting so much that you cannot keep liquids down, contact your healthcare provider.
For more information about E. coli, please visit the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html
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