Fifteen new cases of E. coli poisoning linked to McDonald’s have been reported by federal officials, with three more cases identified in Colorado. The outbreak investigation has led to the identification of an “onion grower of interest” in Washington state.
The Food and Drug Administration has reported a total of 90 people across 13 states falling ill in the outbreak, with 27 hospitalized and one death in Colorado’s Mesa County. The number of cases in Colorado has risen to 29.
The source of the outbreak is believed to be raw, slivered onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. The onions came from a single supplier, Taylor Farms based in California, which has since recalled the affected onions.
Government investigators have interviewed E. coli patients, with over 80% reporting consuming McDonald’s items containing fresh, slivered onions.
The FDA is inspecting Taylor Farm’s processing center in Colorado Springs and an “onion grower of interest” in Washington state. McDonald’s had temporarily stopped serving Quarter Pounders but has resumed after ruling out beef patties as the source of the outbreak.
The strain of E. coli involved in the outbreak can cause severe illness, including kidney failure. The FDA reassures that the current risk of illness is low as the recalled onions should no longer be available.
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