Federal officials on Wednesday reported more cases of the disease E. coli poisoning among people eating at McDonald’s, as government investigators searching for the source of the outbreak identified an “onion grower of concern” in Washington state.
Food and Drug Administration said 90 people across 13 states have fallen ill during the outbreak, up from 75 last weekend. The number of people hospitalized increased by 5 people, to 27 people. One death has been tied to the outbreak.
Raw, sliced onions on McDonald’s, officials said Quarter Pounder burgers may be the source of E. coli. McDonald’s said the onions come from a single supplier, California-based Taylor Farms. The company has since recalled the yellow onions it sent to McDonald’s and other restaurant chains.
On Wednesday, the FDA said it had begun inspections of Taylor Farm’s processing center in Colorado Springs as well as an “onion grower of concern” in Washington state. It did not name the grower.
The FDA noted that more than 80% of people infected with E. coli interviewed by government investigators reported eating McDonald’s dishes containing chopped fresh onions.
McDonald’s said last week that onions from the Colorado Springs facility were distributed to about 900 of its restaurants, including some in transportation hubs like airports. Restaurant chain announced that it will continue to serve quarter press at hundreds of restaurants after testing Exclude beef as the source of the outbreak.
The E. coli strain behind the outbreak can cause dangerous diarrhea, leading to kidney failure and other serious problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it causes about 74,000 infections in the US annually, leading to more than 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths each year.
FDA officials said Wednesday that the current risk of illness “is low because the onions have been recalled and should no longer be sold.” They noted that all of the reported cases occurred before Taylor Farms and McDonald’s removed the onions from the market.
The most powerful women every day: Every weekday, MPW Daily delivers original reporting, key insights and expert perspectives on the women leading this moment in business and beyond. Register here.
