E. coli Outbreak Alert: Slivered Onions at McDonald’s

The FDA and CDC have officially wrapped up their investigation into an E. coli outbreak tied to slivered onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers across 14 U.S. states.

What Happened?

The culprit: yellow onions from Taylor Farms. On October 22, 2024, Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled these onions, and McDonald’s immediately removed them from affected restaurants.

Symptoms to Watch For:

After eating contaminated food, symptoms like severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and nausea can appear within 2–9 days. Rare but severe cases may cause kidney failure or chronic conditions.

States Impacted:

CO, KS, WY, IA, ID, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, OK, and UT.

The Investigation:

104 cases were reported; 99% of affected individuals had eaten at McDonald’s, and 84% consumed items with slivered onions.

The Good News:

The outbreak is over, recalled onions are off the menu, and there’s no ongoing risk.

Still Have Recalled Onions?

Dispose of them safely and sanitize all surfaces!

Previous Updates

E. coli Outbreak: McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Alert!

What You Need to Know:

An outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 has been linked to slivered onions on Quarter Pounder burgers at McDonald’s.

The Stats:

104 cases in 14 states.

34 hospitalizations, 4 cases of severe kidney damage (HUS).

1 death reported.

Symptoms:

Severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and nausea—appearing 2–9 days after eating contaminated food.

The Investigation:

Taylor Farms onions were recalled on October 22, 2024. FDA and CDC confirmed slivered onions were the likely culprit. McDonald’s quickly replaced them with onions from a different supplier.

What’s the Status Now?

Risk is now low—recalled onions are off the menu.

No ongoing safety concerns at McDonald’s.

States Impacted:

CO, KS, WY, IA, ID, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, OK, and UT.

Stay Safe:

If you froze onions from Taylor Farms, throw them out! Clean surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.

Stay informed, and let’s keep food safety a top priority!

Source: FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration 

Reach out to Fresh Group Food Safety And Quality Consulting for any inquiries related to food quality and safety.