The FDA reported that together with the CDC, and state partners continue investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to slivered onions served on Quarter Pounder burgers at McDonald's restaurants. As of November 13, 2024, 104 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 14 states (CO, IA, KS, MI, MO, MT, NE, NM, NC, OR, UT, WA, WI, and WY). Of 98 people with information available, 34 have been hospitalized, and 4 people developed HUS. One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado. Of the 81 interviewed, 80 (99%) report eating at McDonald's. Seventy-five people could remember specific menu items they ate at McDonald's. 63 of 75 people (84%) reported a menu item containing fresh slivered onions. One FDA sample of recalled onions has tested positive for E. coli, but it is a non-O157:H7 STEC and does not match the outbreak strain or any other clinical illnesses. McDonald's stopped using slivered onions on Quarter Pounder burgers in affected states, and Taylor Farms recalled yellow onions on October 22, 2024. McDonald's has reintroduced slivered onions from a different onion supplier into their full menu. There does not appear to be a continued food safety concern related to this outbreak at McDonald's restaurants. Recalled onions were also directly distributed to food service customers in CO, IA, ID, KS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, OK, UT, and WY. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-onions-october-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
