Outbreak tied to recalled Taylor Farms yellow onions served at McDonald’s ends with no ongoing food safety concerns.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health partners, a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to recalled yellow onions distributed by Taylor Farms and served at McDonald’s restaurants in specific states has concluded.
The investigation confirmed that the outbreak has ended, and there is no ongoing food safety risk associated with the recalled onions.
The outbreak prompted Taylor Farms to issue a voluntary recall of yellow onions on October 22, 2024. The company directly notified its food service customers, including McDonald’s, which immediately ceased serving the recalled product.
As stated in a report, McDonald’s no longer uses the affected onions, ensuring no continued threat to consumers.
During the investigation, the FDA, along with the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), collected product and environmental samples to trace the source of the contamination.
While one FDA sample of recalled onions and one environmental sample from a grower tested positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), these strains were not E. coli O157:H7 and did not match the outbreak strain. All other samples analyzed were negative for E. coli. Despite these findings, epidemiological and traceback evidence strongly indicated that the recalled yellow onions were the likely source of the outbreak.
The CDC reported that a total of 104 individuals across 14 states were infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. Interviews conducted by state and local health officials revealed that of the 81 individuals who provided detailed food histories, 80 (99%) had consumed food from McDonald’s in the week before falling ill.
Additionally, 63 of 75 individuals who recalled specific menu items reported consuming a dish that contained fresh, slivered onions.
While no definitive trace of the outbreak strain was found in product or environmental samples, the pattern of illnesses and traceback evidence tied the infections to the recalled onions. The collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies ensured a thorough investigation and timely actions to mitigate further risks.
As noted in the FDA’s final update, the outbreak investigation has been officially closed. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant about food safety but can be reassured that the immediate threat from this outbreak has been resolved.
