McDonald’s E. coli outbreak likely stems from onions, says US public health agency

ISTANBUL

Slivered onions found in fast-food chain McDonald’s Quarter Pounders and other menu options are suspected to be behind an E. coli outbreak of 90 cases across 13 states, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

After an investigation started last week, a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spokesperson confirmed late Wednesday that the infectious slivered onions were sourced from the producer Taylor Farms, as the affected McDonald’s branches were supplied by the firm.

Taylor Farms recalled their yellow onions produced in their Colorado plant as the FDA started an investigation into the plant after 29 people reported the infection.

Five more people were hospitalized in newfound E. coli cases as of Wednesday, and the death toll remains at one, a CDC report said.

The CDC said that while symptoms of E. coli usually begin three to four days after it enters the body, most people recover without treatment within a week, though some may have serious kidney problems, and the infection is especially serious for the elderly.