McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Other Popular Fast-Food Restaurants

A recent E. coli outbreak connected to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has led several fast-food chains—including Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut—to remove onions from select locations. The outbreak, which has resulted in 49 confirmed cases, 10 hospitalizations, and one death, was first announced in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) food safety alert.

The CDC is currently investigating the source of contamination, with a focus on ingredients used by McDonald’s. The agency revealed that McDonald’s has temporarily stopped using slivered onions and Quarter Pounder beef patties in several states. These include Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and parts of Idaho.

U.S. Foods, a key supplier to fast-food chains, issued a recall Wednesday after its supplier, Taylor Farms, warned of potential E. coli contamination in yellow jumbo peeled, diced, and whole peeled onions. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is actively investigating the source. “We’re looking at all possible sources,” an FDA spokesperson told NBC News on Thursday, confirming that Taylor Farms is under scrutiny.

In response, a Burger King spokesperson explained, “While most of our locations are unaffected, about 5% of our restaurants receive onions from Taylor Farms’ Colorado facility.” Burger King emphasized the proactive nature of its response, stating, “Despite no direct contact from health authorities, we asked these restaurants to dispose of any potentially affected onions.”

Yum! Brands, parent company of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, also confirmed the precautionary removal of onions. A spokesperson said, “Out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively removed fresh onions from select restaurants.” The spokesperson added that the company is following all supplier and regulatory guidance to maintain food safety.

McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger addressed the situation on TODAY, saying, “We took swift action to remove the Quarter Pounder from our menu in affected states.” He added, “Protecting the American public and promoting public health is our priority.”

The CDC and McDonald’s are continuing their investigation to identify the contaminated ingredient. Meanwhile, the fast-food industry is taking measures to ensure consumer safety amid the ongoing situation.