Major fast-food chains across the United States have removed fresh onions from their menus following a deadly E. coli outbreak linked to the vegetable at McDonald’s. The outbreak has resulted in one death and at least 49 reported illnesses.
On Thursday, Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, announced it would stop serving fresh onions. A spokesperson confirmed that about 5% of Burger King locations had already taken this precaution. Maria Gonzales, an on-duty manager at a Burger King in Colorado, told Reuters, “We’ve been told by corporate to not use any onions going forward for the foreseeable future.”
Yum Brands, which operates KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, also stated it would remove onions “out of an abundance of caution.” While about 5% of Burger King’s outlets receive supplies from Taylor Farms, a spokesperson noted that the chain has not been contacted by health authorities regarding any illnesses.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the CDC have identified fresh onions as the likely source of the outbreak. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating potential sources but has not confirmed the exact cause.
McDonald’s has confirmed that Taylor Farms supplied the sliced onions that have been removed from its menu. The company has recalled several batches of yellow onions sourced from a facility in Colorado, according to a notice issued by U.S. Foods, a major food service distributor.
Concerns have also arisen about the potential impact on McDonald’s beef patties. However, E. coli can be eliminated in beef through proper cooking. The McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, which typically includes raw, slivered onions, has been removed from approximately 20% of its U.S. restaurants, particularly in states like Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming.
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