Fast Food Chains Pull Onions Nationwide Amid Expanding E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s

Several major fast-food chains, including Taco Bell, Burger King, and KFC, have temporarily removed fresh onions from their menus as a precautionary response to a widening E. coli outbreak. Initially linked to McDonald’s, the outbreak has spread across ten states, with 49 cases and one death reported.

McDonald's and Other Chains Halt Onion Use as E. Coli Outbreak Widens Across Ten States

The recent outbreak of E. coli infections, which initially affected McDonald's customers, has broadened to involve other fast-food chains, underscoring the potential severity of the situation. Taco Bell, Burger King, KFC, and Pizza Hut have taken immediate action, temporarily removing fresh onions from their menus in response to concerns over the bacteria's potentially severe health risks, per Mashed.

The outbreak, believed to originate from Quarter Pounders sold at McDonald's, has tentatively been traced to onions used as a topping. With 49 reported cases and one fatality across ten states, this outbreak could lead to one of the most extensive recalls in McDonald's history. As a precaution, McDonald's has paused sales of its Quarter Pounder in select states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and parts of Idaho and Iowa.

The onions implicated in the outbreak were sourced from Taylor Farms' Colorado facility. Although Taylor Farms reported negative test results for E. coli in its onions, the company recalled its yellow onions. Burger King, one of the affected chains, has advised its locations that received these onions—approximately 5% of its restaurants—to discard them.

E. Coli Outbreaks Highlight Risks for Vulnerable Populations as Fast-Food Chains Remain on Alert

E. coli is one of several bacteria that have caused high-profile foodborne illness outbreaks in the U.S., alongside salmonella and listeria. While many E. coli strains primarily lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like cramping, diarrhea, and appetite loss, infections can sometimes have more severe consequences, particularly for vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. This highlights the importance of the situation and the need for collective empathy and understanding. Symptoms typically appear within three days but may take longer, and recovery often occurs within a week without medical treatment.

Historically, E. coli has been linked to major foodborne outbreaks at fast-food chains, including Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Chipotle. It remains uncertain how extensive this latest outbreak will become or if additional establishments will be affected.