A multistate E. Coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to McDonald’s restaurants has grown to 75 confirmed cases across 13 states, according to an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Monday. The outbreak, initially identified in mid-September, has resulted in 22 hospitalizations, including one death in Colorado and at least one case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in an adult, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure.
The CDC reports that the most recent illness onset date was October 10, 2024. Of 42 individuals interviewed, all reported consuming food at McDonald’s prior to becoming ill, with the majority specifically mentioning Quarter Pounder hamburgers. No other food service establishments have been linked to the outbreak.
Investigators are focusing on two potential sources: fresh slivered onions and fresh beef patties. Taylor Farms, which supplied the slivered onions used in affected McDonald’s locations, initiated a voluntary recall of yellow onions on October 22, 2024, after being implicated in the outbreak. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with Taylor Farms and other businesses to ensure the recall is effective.
An FDA inspection of Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs, Colorado, facility in late October and early November 2024 revealed several violations of food safety regulations, according to a report obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. The report, partially redacted, cited failures in sanitation controls, monitoring, and record-keeping. Specifically, investigators found that the facility did not implement adequate sanitation preventive controls, lacked necessary sanitation records, and failed to maintain conditions that minimized the potential for food contamination. The FDA issued a “Voluntary Action Indicated” form to Taylor Farms following the inspection, the first such form issued to the facility in recent years.
Although McDonald’s temporarily halted the sale of Quarter Pounders at some locations and discontinued serving slivered onions, the CDC currently believes the risk to the public is low due to the product actions taken by McDonald’s and Taylor Farms. However, the agency advises individuals experiencing severe E. Coli symptoms – including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting – to seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about potential exposure.
The FDA continues to investigate the outbreak and has not yet confirmed the specific ingredient responsible for the illnesses. The agency has redacted portions of its inspection report, citing confidentiality concerns, but has stated it will provide updates as more information becomes available.
