Supplier Recalls Onions; First Lawsuit Filed – Action News Jax

E. Coli Contamination Linked to McDonald’s Onions in Colorado

In a significant food safety scare, several restaurants across Colorado have pulled onions from their menus following a reported outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. This incident has raised serious concerns among consumers and food safety regulators alike, prompting immediate actions from major food chains and suppliers.

Outbreak Overview

The outbreak, which has made dozens of individuals ill, is particularly concerning as it is believed to stem from slivered onions that are used raw in the Quarter Pounder sandwiches. As consumers shared their experiences, a pattern emerged with many reporting illness after dining at McDonald’s, although the fast-food giant has yet to confirm the precise source of the E. coli contamination.

A Closer Look at the Suspected Source

The primary suspect in the E. coli outbreak is the raw onions served on the Quarter Pounders, as these were not cooked during food preparation. In contrast, the burger patties, which are cooked at 175 degrees Fahrenheit, are considered safe since E. coli bacteria would typically be killed at temperatures of 160 degrees. Reports from CBS News indicate that the onions were sourced from a single supplier, raising the stakes in identifying the contamination source.

McDonald’s Response

In light of the outbreak, McDonald’s has proactively halted the sale of Quarter Pounders at several locations while they work to contain the issue. This measure aims to prevent further cases of illness and reassure customers about their food safety commitment.

Taylor Farms and the Recall

In a related development, Taylor Farms announced a recall of yellow onions produced at a Colorado facility. This recall was facilitated through US Foods, one of the largest suppliers to the food service industry. Documentation from US Foods advised institutions and businesses that might have received the recalled product to dispose of it immediately. Taylor Farms expressed their cooperation with the FDA and CDC in the ongoing investigation and emphasized their commitment to safety within their production processes.

Impact on Other Restaurants

With implications spreading beyond McDonald’s, several other dining establishments have chosen to remove onions from their offerings as a precautionary measure. Notably, chains like Illegal Pete’s and Taco Bell have temporarily ceased serving onions to safeguard their customers amid the uncertainty surrounding the E. coli outbreak.

Legal Actions Initiated

As the situation unfolds, legal ramifications have begun to emerge. A lawsuit against McDonald’s has already been filed by Eric Stelly, a Colorado resident who claims he became ill after consuming the impacted Quarter Pounder. His allegations highlight possible negligence in McDonald’s food safety practices, claiming the food was “defective” due to the presence of E. coli. His attorney has pointed out that consumers like Stelly deserve to be warned about the risks associated with potentially hazardous food products.

Health Data and Public Health Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that this outbreak has sickened at least 49 individuals across multiple states, including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and others, with ten people requiring hospitalization and one reported death. This broad geographical impact underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for food safety vigilance.

Conclusion

As the investigation into the E. coli outbreak continues, the interconnectedness of food supply chains and the potential for widespread ripple effects in the restaurant industry are starkly displayed. For now, many diners in Colorado and beyond are left wondering about the safety of their food and the reliability of the systems in place to protect their health.