Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC Recall Onions Linked to Deadly McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an investigation into an outbreak of E. coli infections in 10 states across the country on Oct. 22. Most people affected by the outbreak have reported eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald’s before becoming sick. This fast-moving investigation is working to find the source of the contamination in collaboration with McDonald’s, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and other public health officials.

According to the CDC’s Food Safety Alert, Quarter Pounder hamburgers—which uniquely feature fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties—will be pulled from McDonald’s stores in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma until the investigation confirms the source of the E. coli bacteria.

Initial traceback information from the FDA shows that onions are a likely source of contamination and the agency is working quickly to confirm and determine whether these were used or sold elsewhere. The FSIS is conducting further research on hamburger patties as a source of illness as well.

Taylor Farms Recalls Onions As Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, & Burger King Pull Them From Menus

On Oct. 22, a new recall alert was issued by US Foods, a large restaurant supplier, relating to whole and cut onions from Taylor Farms. The recall states that “US Foods Quality Assurance received notification that Taylor Farms is conducting a recall of onions…due to potential E.coli contamination.”

After the alert was sent, Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut (three fast food chains under the Yum! Brands umbrella), as well as Burger King, began pulling onions from menus in some locations, though it’s unclear at this time if this is directly related to the Taylor Farms recall.

“As we continue to monitor the recently reported E. coli outbreak, and out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively removed fresh onions from select Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC restaurants,” a representative for Yum! Brands told CNBC.

Where Is the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder E. Coli Outbreak Occurring?

So far, these states have reported cases of E. Coli tied to the outbreak: Colorado, with 26; Nebraska, with nine; Wyoming and Utah, both with four; Oregon, Montana, Kansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Missouri, each with one.

Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept. 27 to Oct 11. Of the 28 people with available information, 10 have been hospitalized, including one person who developed a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. One death has been reported in Colorado.

The true number affected is likely much higher and spans more states, as reporting usually takes three to four weeks to be accounted for in outbreaks of this size.

What To Do if You Ate a Quarter Pounder and Have Symptoms Associated With E. Coli Infections

The CDC recommends you call your healthcare provider if you ate a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburger and have severe E. coli symptoms. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, excessive vomiting, a fever over 102 degrees F (39 degrees C), and/or dizziness, which can start three to four days after ingesting the bacteria. Most people recover on their own without treatment after five to seven days. However, serious complications can develop, so it’s important to consult professionals if concerns arise.