E. coli Outbreak Tied to Onions Used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders: Summary and Guidance.

E. coli Outbreak Tied to Onions Used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders: Summary and Guidance

Situation Overview The CDC, FDA, USDA-FSIS, and public health officials across multiple states are investigating an E. coli O157

outbreak linked to McDonald’s menu items. Many affected individuals reported consuming Quarter Pounder hamburgers containing slivered onions prior to falling ill. In response, McDonald’s has ceased using slivered onions in certain states as a precaution.

Epidemiological and traceback data point to fresh, slivered onions as the likely source of the outbreak. Taylor Farms, the supplier to McDonald’s, has issued a recall for the onions and directly notified food service businesses. The probability of contaminated onions still being available is low.

Recalled Product

• Slivered onions used on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers.
• Taylor Farms recalled yellow onions and informed food service businesses to stop using them.
• These onions were only distributed to food service operators and not to retail grocery stores.

Recommendations for Consumers

• There is no need to avoid onions or foods made with onions, as the recalled product is no longer in circulation.
• Contact a healthcare provider if you experience severe E. coli symptoms, such as:
  • High fever over 102°F
  • Persistent or worsening diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Severe vomiting leading to dehydration

Advice for Businesses

• Food service operators should avoid using, selling, or serving the recalled yellow onions from Taylor Farms.
• Businesses were directly notified by the supplier.

E. coli Symptoms

• Common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
• Symptoms typically appear 3-4 days after exposure and most people recover within a week without treatment.
• Severe cases can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), requiring hospitalization.

For more details, refer to the "About Escherichia coli Infection" page.