The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that fresh, slivered onions are the likely source of an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's restaurants across multiple U.S. states, based on epidemiologic and traceback data.
As of October 30, 2024, the outbreak has grown to 90 cases, with 15 new illnesses reported. One person has died, while the number of hospitalizations has increased to 27, with five additional patients requiring hospital care. The most recent illness onset was recorded on October 16.
E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of people and animals, but certain strains can cause severe foodborne illness. While most E. coli strains are harmless, the type involved in this outbreak—known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli—can cause serious infections and potentially life-threatening complications.
Taylor Farms, the supplier of slivered onions to the affected McDonald's locations, has initiated a voluntary recall of potentially contaminated products. The company has sent urgent notices to U.S. Foods customers, directing them to immediately cease using affected products and destroy any remaining inventory.
According to the CDC, all new cases occurred before McDonald's and Taylor Farms implemented preventive measures. The agency now believes the public health risk is "very low" due to these actions.
Newsweek contacted the CDC via email for an update on the situation and for clarification on the level of certainty that the onions were the source.
Cesar Piña, McDonald's North America chief supply chain officer, addressed the situation in a statement on the company's website on Sunday, saying the "issue appears to be contained to a particular ingredient and geography."
He emphasized that any contaminated products have been removed from the supply chain and all McDonald's restaurants. The company has also ruled out Quarter Pounder patties as a potential source of the outbreak.
Speaking to Newsweek previously, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the recalled yellow onions were distributed to additional food service customers beyond McDonald's.
Businesses are warned not to use any recalled onions supplied by Taylor Farms, and affected customers have been directly notified of the recall.
The outbreak, first announced by the FDA on October 22, has affected at least 10 U.S. states.
Health officials advise anyone experiencing severe E. coli symptoms to seek medical attention and inform healthcare providers about their food consumption history. Typical symptoms include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, usually appearing three to four days after exposure.
While most people recover within five to seven days without treatment, some may develop serious kidney complications requiring hospitalization.
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