Fast-food fans might have noticed the absence of one of their favorite toppings recently. Several major U.S. fast-food chains have temporarily removed fresh onions from their menus due to an ongoing E. coli outbreak. This crisis has been potentially linked to onions used in McDonald's Quarter Pounders.
The outbreak has hit customers across multiple Midwestern and Western states, with at least 75 reported cases of illness, one tragic death, and 22 hospitalizations. Among those hospitalized, two patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, as reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday.
The situation highlights a persistent challenge for fast-food outlets: ensuring the safety of fresh produce. Unlike beef, which can be cooked to kill pathogens, fresh vegetables are often consumed raw, making them more susceptible to contamination.
Food safety expert Donald Schaffner from Rutgers University explains, \"Cooking is a 'silver bullet' against contamination. In contrast, produce contamination could stem from untreated manure, contaminated irrigation water, or improper handling during storage and preparation.\"
In response to the crisis, McDonald's has halted onion sourcing from Taylor Farms' Colorado Springs facility, which supplied onions to around 900 outlets. Despite frequent testing by suppliers within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s specified date range, this particular E. coli strain went undetected, company spokespeople confirmed.
This isn't the first time fast-food chains have grappled with such issues. Past outbreaks at other major chains like Taco Bell and Wendy's have also traced contamination back to raw vegetables. Mike Taylor, a former FDA official, suggests that major buyers like fast-food chains and grocery stores work together to \"modernize and harmonize\" safety standards across suppliers to boost produce safety.
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Fast-food fans might have noticed the absence of one of their favorite toppings recently. Several major U.S. fast-food chains have temporarily removed fresh onions from their menus due to an ongoing E. coli outbreak. This crisis has been potentially linked to onions used in McDonald's Quarter Pounders.
The situation highlights a persistent challenge for fast-food outlets: ensuring the safety of fresh produce. Unlike beef, which can be cooked to kill pathogens, fresh vegetables are often consumed raw, making them more susceptible to contamination.
This isn't the first time fast-food chains have grappled with such issues. Past outbreaks at other major chains like Taco Bell and Wendy's have also traced contamination back to raw vegetables. Mike Taylor, a former FDA official, suggests that major buyers like fast-food chains and grocery stores work together to \"modernize and harmonize\" safety standards across suppliers to boost produce safety.
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