Washington: Federal officials have reported a rise in E. coli cases linked to McDonald’s, with the investigation now focusing on an onion grower in Washington state as a potential source of the outbreak. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that 90 people across 13 states have been affected, up from 75 cases last week, with 27 hospitalizations and one reported death.

Raw, slivered onions used in McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers have been identified as the probable cause. The onions were sourced from California-based Taylor Farms, which has since recalled the yellow onions distributed to McDonald's and other restaurant chains. FDA investigators are inspecting both Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs processing facility and an “onion grower of interest” in Washington state, whose name has not been disclosed.

More than 80 percent of those affected reported consuming McDonald's items containing fresh, slivered onions. McDonald’s noted that the onions in question were supplied to around 900 of its locations, including restaurants in major transportation hubs. Following testing that ruled out beef patties as the source, McDonald's has resumed serving Quarter Pounders at numerous locations.

The strain of E. coli associated with this outbreak is known for causing severe diarrhea, kidney failure, and other serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates this strain causes approximately 74,000 infections, over 2,000 hospitalisations, and 61 deaths annually in the US.

The FDA stated Wednesday that the current risk of illness remains low as the onions have been recalled and are no longer on the market, with all cases reported prior to the recall.
 

Agencies