Fast food giants KFC and Pizza Hut are removing onions used in select menu items across the U.S. following concerns of possible E. coli contamination linked to a recent outbreak associated with McDonald's restaurants.
As reported by Newsweek, at least 10 people have been hospitalized and one person in Colorado has died following E. coli (Escherichia coli) infections linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers.
While the exact source of the contamination has not yet been determined, the outbreak may be connected to slivered onions. In response, KFC and Pizza Hut, both owned by Yum! Brands, decided to remove onions from specific items on their menus.
The removal of onions at the three fast food chains looks set to impact popular menu items that incorporate fresh onions at KFC, as well as Pizza Hut's salads and specialty pizzas.
In an emailed statement to Bloomberg, as reported by Business Insider, Yum! Brands said it had made the decision out of an "abundance of caution." Newsweek contacted Yum! Brands via telephone outside of working hours for comment on Friday.
Other fast food restaurants, including Taco Bell and Burger King, also pulled onions from some menus.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 49 cases of E.coli have been reported in connection with McDonald's in 10 states.
Health authorities including the CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and local public health officials in multiple states are investigating the outbreak.
As reported by AP News, Taylor Farms, a California-based produce company was the source of fresh onions linked to the deadly E. coli food poisoning outbreak at McDonald's, officials with the restaurant chain said on Thursday.
McDonald's officials said that Taylor Farms, of Salinas, California, sent onions to one distribution facility, which led the fast-food chain to remove Quarter Pounder hamburgers from restaurants in several states, as reported by AP News.
U.S. Foods announced a recall of four raw onion products, supplied by Taylor Farms, due to potential contamination with the dangerous bacteria.
Health authorities advise consumers to be mindful of potential symptoms associated with E. coli, which can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. The authorities are monitoring the situation closely as brands across the fast-food industry respond to the potential risk.
In the wake of the removal and the earlier recall, customers are encouraged to check online updates about affected menu items and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms related to E. coli exposure.
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