E. coli outbreak update: 26 new illnesses have been reported, Taylor Farms onions likely the source

In a follow-up on on the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, 26 new illnesses have been reported, bringing the total to 75.

Three new states (Michigan, New Mexico, Washington) have been added to the number of states where sick people live, bringing the total to 13 states.

Twelve more people have been hospitalized, bringing the total to 22. This number includes the previously reported death in Colorado and child with complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, and 1 new HUS in an adult.

Colorado, Montana and Nebraska have seen the most cases with 26, 13 and 11, respectively.

Of 42 people interviewed, all 42 reported eating at McDonald’s before their illness started, and most specifically mentioned eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger. No other retail chains or retailers have been identified as a source of illness.

McDonald's said that Taylor Farms is the supplier of the onions served on Quarter Pounders:

We understand from our ongoing partnership with health authorities that onions from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility have been a source of focus in an ongoing investigation related to E. coli O157:H7. As noted by FDA on October 22, 2024, slivered onions from Taylor Farms’ facility in Colorado Springs are the “likely source of contamination.” In its update today (October 25, 2024), FDA notes that yellow onions were sold by this supplier and from this facility to additional food service customers. 

McDonald’s stopped selling this product as of October 22, 2024, and we understand FDA is continuing its investigation into that facility. Prior to this action, slivered onions from this facility were distributed to approximately 900 McDonald’s restaurants, in Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, and portions of other states in the area. A select number of restaurants were in transportation hubs, such as airports, which may account for illnesses in additional states. Nothing is more important to us than the quality and safety of our food, which is why McDonald’s took swift and decisive action to protect the health of our customers. 

We also understand that onions were distributed by this supplier, from this facility, well beyond McDonald’s System (including other quick service restaurants and food service providers). In the past 24 hours, many appear to have followed McDonald’s lead in not serving onions from this facility. We fully expect others in our industry will also follow the imperative to be transparent in service of public health, and we expect health authorities will continue to provide updates. 

While McDonald’s removed all slivered onions produced from this facility as of October 22, 2024, due to broad concern and our unwavering commitment to food safety we have made the decision to stop sourcing onions from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility indefinitely.

As a reminder, all other menu items, including other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available.   

While the investigation is ongoing, Taylor Farms, the supplier of slivered onions for the affected McDonald’s locations, has initiated a voluntary recall. Recalled yellow onions were sold to additional food service customers. Customers who received recalled onions have been directly notified of the recall. Taylor Farms said:

We take pride in providing safe, healthy fresh foods to people every day. It saddens us to see the illnesses and affected individuals and families from the current E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and their families impacted.

Our priority remains the health and safety of our consumers. We have preemptively recalled yellow onions from our Taylor Farms Colorado facility that were sent to select foodservice customers.

We continue to work with CDC and FDA who are investigating the source of the outbreak. Beef and onions are being investigated as potential sources, but no specific ingredient has been confirmed as the source of the outbreak. All Taylor Farms products in the market today are safe to consume.

If you have any additional questions, please contact our customer care team at 877-323-7374.