Several major fast-food chains, including Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, have pulled onions from some of their restaurants due to a severe E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. The outbreak has led to 49 reported cases, 10 hospitalizations, and one death. Following reports of contamination, supplier U.S. Foods issued a recall notification for onions from Taylor Farms. The FDA is investigating the supplier as a potential source of the outbreak.
In response to the situation, Burger King announced that 5% of its restaurants receive onions from the affected facility and have disposed of them. Yum! Brands, which owns Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, confirmed that onions were removed from select locations as a precautionary measure. McDonald’s has already removed the affected ingredients from some of its locations in several states.
Joe Erlinger, the president of McDonald’s USA, reassured the public that they have taken swift action to protect customers and promote public health. The CDC continues to investigate the outbreak while fast-food chains take necessary precautions to ensure food safety. Restaurants are actively monitoring their supply chains to prevent further contamination.
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