McDonald’s announced that tests by the Colorado Agriculture Department found no E. coli contamination in Quarter Pounder beef patties, ruling them out as the source of a recent outbreak affecting 75 people across 13 states. The outbreak has been linked instead to slivered onions sourced from Taylor Farms in Colorado Springs.
McDonald’s has removed Taylor Farms onions from its supply chain, with Quarter Pounders now being served without onions in affected areas. Other restaurant chains in Colorado, including Taco Bell and Illegal Pete’s, have also pulled onions from their menus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first identified the outbreak in late September. Since then, 22 individuals have been hospitalized, and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe kidney complication. McDonald’s is facing multiple lawsuits related to the outbreak and has committed to addressing the incident and restoring consumer confidence.
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