McDonald's has been under the radar after 75 individuals in the U.S. were infected with E. coli after eating Quarter Pounder burgers. After health authorities announced the outbreak, the fast-food chain temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder burgers from its menu. On Sunday, October 27, McDonald's announced they would return the burgers after the beef patties tested negative at the Colorado Department of Agriculture Lab.
The FDA has yet to confirm that fresh onions supplied by Taylor Farms were linked to the outbreak. Nevertheless, in a media briefing, McDonald's revealed that it has stopped sourcing onions from Taylor Farms 'indefinitely.'
McDonald's stance on bringing back Quarter Pounder burgers on the menu
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the infected individuals had revealed eating Quarter Pounder burgers days before hospitalization. The CD and U.S. Food and Drug Administration linked the outbreak to two potential sources: beef patties and slivered onions. The beef patties have, so far, been ruled out as a possible source.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture Lab received many beef patty samples from various McDonald's branches in Colorado. The CD revealed that after various tests, the beef patties were found negative for E. coli bacteria. They added that there will be no further testing for beef patties. However, the CDA has yet to clear the onions supplied by Taylor Farms.
McDonald's disclosed on Friday that the slivered onions were procured from Taylor Farm's Colorado Springs facility and supplied to 900 restaurants, including airports. McDonald's will resume the sales of Quarter Pounder burgers to these 900 restaurants without slivered onions.
In a video statement, the U.S. president of McDonald's, Joe Erlinger, addressed his customers, stating,
"I know that our relationship is built on trust, You trust us to serve you safe food every time.”
He added,
“On behalf of the McDonald’s system, I want you to hear from me: we are sorry. For those customers affected, you have my commitment that, led by our values, we will make this right.”
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The latest update shared by the CDC on October 25 revealed that the last case of E. coli infection was found on October 11. Taylor Farms has sent samples of slivered onions to the health authorities, and the investigation is underway.
The CDC has issued a notice that the public risk is low but has suggested taking precautions. Health authorities have advised reaching the nearest hospital if one experiences symptoms of E. coli bacteria infection and has a recent history of eating Quarter Pounder burgers.
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