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FDA’s investigation is complete – CDC declared outbreak over – Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Onions (October 2024)

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🚨 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.