The CDC confirmed on Friday that the count of individuals infected with the E. coli O157:H7 strain had risen to 75 across 13 states, with 22 of these cases requiring hospitalization.
According to Fox Business, the CDC initially announced the outbreak on Tuesday, noting 49 cases, 10 hospitalizations, and one unfortunate death. McDonald's faced its first lawsuit related to the outbreak the following day. McDonald's representatives stated on Wednesday that the CDC had alerted the company about the outbreak the previous week. The fast-food giant is currently collaborating with the relevant agencies to ascertain whether the beef or onions - the two potential E. coli carriers in the Quarter Pounder - are the source of the outbreak.
October 26, 2024
In a proactive response to the outbreak, McDonald's has withdrawn onions and Quarter Pounder beef patties from its outlets in the affected regions, halting the sale of the sandwich in these areas. The states impacted include Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, along with parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
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In a similar move, Yum! Brands announced on Thursday that it would remove fresh onions from select Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC restaurants. This decision followed a recall of yellow onions issued by Taylor Farms, a supplier for McDonald's. The swift actions taken by these companies underscore the importance of public health and safety in the food industry. As investigations continue, consumers are left to wonder about the source of the outbreak and the measures being taken to prevent future incidents.