McDonald’s blames onion supplier for bacterial outbreak in its burgers

A California-based produce company was the source of fresh onions linked to an E. coli food poisoning outbreak at McDonald’s, officials at the restaurant chain said.

Meanwhile, other fast food companies, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC and Burger King, removed onions from some of their menus.

McDonald’s officials said Thursday that Salinas, California-based Taylor Farms sent onions to a distribution center, prompting the fast-food chain to remove quarter-pounder burgers from its menus in several states. McDonald’s did not specify which distribution plant received the onions.

An outbreak linked to hamburgers has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states, including an elderly man who died, according to federal health officials. Investigators said they were focusing on onions as a possible source of the outbreak.

US Foods, a major wholesaler to restaurants nationwide, said Thursday that Taylor Farms had this week ordered a recall of whole and chopped yellow onions due to possible E. coli contamination.

The recalled onions came from a Taylor Farms facility in Colorado, a US Foods spokesperson said. However, the wholesaler also noted that it was not a McDonald’s supplier and that its recall does not include products sold at the fast-food chain’s restaurants. Taylor Farms did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

They check all the “sources”

U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials would not confirm that the agency is investigating Taylor Farms. A spokesperson said Thursday that the agency is “reviewing all sources” of the outbreak.

Meanwhile, other fast food restaurant chains in the country temporarily suspended the use of fresh onions.

“As we continue to monitor the recently reported E. coli outbreak, and as a precautionary measure, we have proactively recalled fresh onions from some Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants,” Yum Brands said in a statement. release.

Yum Brands, based in Louisville, Kentucky, would not say where the onions were recalled or whether the company uses the same supplier as McDonald’s. The company said it will continue to adhere to guidelines from regulators and its suppliers.

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