Guardian

The E.coli outbreak at McDonald's restaurants that has, in the past few days, left one person dead and around 50 ill in the US has been traced to onions sourced from California-based Taylor Farms. The onions were used in the chain's Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

McDonald's has reportedly removed the Quarter Pounder hamburger from its menu in many US states, while Taylor Farms recalled several batches of yellow onions produced in Colorado. The Food and Drug Administration is probing the supplier as the possible source of the outbreak.

Al Jazeera

While no E.coli-related illnesses have been reported among patrons of other restaurant chains, those like Burger King, KFC, and Taco Bell have also stopped using onions. Health officials said most of those affected, including the older adult who died, are from Colorado and Nebraska.

BBC News

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the bacteria that led to the recent outbreak is classified as "E. coli O157:H7." It causes over 2K hospitalizations and 61 deaths in the US annually, with young children and the elderly both vulnerable.

Associated Press

Those affected in this outbreak are aged 13-88. While the first E.coli-related case was reported on Sept. 27, authorities notified McDonald's only late last week. One hospitalized child has been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can reportedly cause kidney failure.

<em>E. coli</em> Infection (<em>Escherichia coli</em>)

Washington Post

E.coli produces the shiga toxin, leaving those infected experiencing severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. They mostly recover in 5-7 days. While most E. coli strains are harmless, some lead to even urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and sepsis.

CBS #

Guardian #1757

The E.coli outbreak at McDonald’s restaurants that has, in the past few days, left one person dead and around 50 ill in the US has been traced to onions sourced from California-based Taylor Farms. The slivered onions were used in the chain's Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

NBC #2172

McDonald’s has reportedly removed the Quarter Pounder hamburger from its menu in many US states, while Taylor Farms recalled several batches of yellow onions produced in Colorado. The Food and Drug Administration is probing the supplier as the possible source of the outbreak.

Al Jazeera #

While no E.coli-related illnesses have been reported among patrons of other restaurant chains, those like Burger King, KFC, and Taco Bell have stopped using onions. Health officials said most of those affected, included the aged adult who died, are from Colorado and Nebraska.

Associated Press #3152

BBC News #

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had earlier reported that bacteria that led to the recent outbreak  was O157:H7. It causes over 2K hospitalizations and 61 deaths in the US annually, with young children and the aged being particularly vulnerable.

Washington Post #

Fast-paced American have traded home cooking for convenience and that involves hidden costs. The recent outbreaks of diseases reveal this dark side of that culture. The industrial food preparation process is peppered with chances of contamination. While cooking at high temperatures kills pathogens, we now increasingly rely on food that need minimal preparation. This is particularly dangerous for the most vulnerable—the very young, elderly, or pregnant.

Atlantic

Atlantic #

The Dilemma at the Heart of McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak

McDonald's demonstrated notable crisis management skills during the E. coli outbreak by swiftly identifying the likely source. Unlike previous industry crises, the company took immediate action by removing Quarter Pounders from its restaurants. Over the years, it has built a foundation of trust that helps it frame this as an anomaly rather than a systemic issue. Proactive communication also helped.

Bloomberg

Bloomberg #

Mcdonald Missed One Lesson From Chipotle E Coli Crisi

There is a 50% chance the first fully automated McDonalds will open in the United States by Jan. 20, 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Metaculus

Metaculus #

Date of first fully automated McDonalds in US

Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images

McDonald's, Other Chains Pull Onions That Likely Caused E.coli Outbreak

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Fast-paced Americans have traded home cooking for a convenience that involves hidden costs. The recent outbreaks of diseases reveal this dark side of that culture. The industrial food preparation process is peppered with risks of contamination. While cooking at high temperatures kills pathogens, we now increasingly rely on food that requires minimal preparation. This is particularly dangerous for the most vulnerable — the very young, elderly, or pregnant.

McDonald's demonstrated strong crisis management and proactive communication skills during the E. coli outbreak by swiftly identifying the likely source. Unlike previous industry crises, the company took immediate action by removing quarter pounders from its restaurants. Over the years, the chain has built a foundation of trust that helps it frame this as an anomaly rather than a systemic issue.

There is a 50% chance the first fully automated McDonalds will open in the United States by January, 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

David Paul Morris/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images

McDonald's Pulls Onions That Likely Caused E.coli Outbreak

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McDonald's Pulls Onions That Likely Caused E.coli Outbreak

McDonald's, OtherPulls Chains Pull Onions That Likely Caused E.coli Outbreak

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