Additional Coverage:
- McDonald’s Quarter Pounder beef patties not the source of E. coli outbreak, company says (nbcnews.com)
McDonald’s Quarter Pounders Cleared of E. coli
Tests by the Colorado Agriculture Department have found no E. coli in beef patties used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders linked to a deadly outbreak. The beef patties have been ruled out as the source of the contamination.
Slivered Onions Implicated
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified slivered onions from Taylor Farms Colorado Springs as the most likely source of contamination. McDonald’s has indefinitely stopped using these onions.
Distribution and Impact
The contaminated onions were sold in stores in Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, and parts of other nearby states. Some cases in other states may be linked to onions at airports.
Quarter Pounders Returning Soon
McDonald’s is confident in its beef suppliers and expects to have Quarter Pounders available in restaurants this week. However, restaurants using Taylor Farms onions will continue to sell Quarter Pounders without onions for now.
Outbreak Details
The E. coli outbreak is caused by the O157:H7 strain, which produces a toxin that can damage the small intestine. As of Friday, 75 people in 13 states have been infected, and one person has died.
Lawsuits and Investigations
Multiple people have filed lawsuits against McDonald’s, and the FDA is investigating Taylor Farms as the possible source of the outbreak.