Hold the onions! 🚨 Several major U.S. fast-food chains have yanked fresh onions from their menus after an E. coli outbreak possibly tied to McDonald's Quarter Pounders. Health officials report at least 75 illnesses, one death, and 22 hospitalizations across Midwestern and Western states—with two patients developing severe kidney-related complications.
Why Fresh Produce Is a Weak Link
"Cooking is our silver bullet," says food safety expert Donald Schaffner 🧑🔬. Unlike beef, raw veggies lack this defense, leaving them vulnerable to contamination from sources like untreated manure or dirty irrigation water. This isn't new: past outbreaks at Taco Bell and Wendy's also traced back to raw veggies.
McDonald's Responds
McDonald's paused onion supplies from Taylor Farms' Colorado facility 🏭—a supplier for ~900 locations. Despite routine testing, the strain slipped through, highlighting gaps in food safety systems. Could mega-chains and grocers team up to "modernize" safety standards? Former FDA official Mike Taylor thinks so 💡.
🔍 Deeper Insights
While the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act tightened rules, experts say collaboration is key to reducing risks. For now, onion lovers might need to pack their own 🧅—or wait for the all-clear.
