Several major U.S. fast-food chains have temporarily removed fresh onions from their menus in response to an E. coli outbreak, raising concerns about food safety in the industry.
The outbreak, which has impacted customers across multiple Midwestern and Western states, has resulted in at least 75 reported cases of illness, including one death and 22 hospitalizations. Among those hospitalized, two patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday.
Health experts highlight that fresh produce presents a significant challenge for fast-food outlets, as it is more prone to contamination compared to cooked ingredients like beef. \"Cooking is a silver bullet against contamination,\" explains Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert from Rutgers University. Unlike beef, which can be cooked to eliminate harmful pathogens, fresh onions are consumed raw, making them susceptible to contamination from untreated manure, contaminated irrigation water, or improper handling during storage and preparation.
In response to the crisis, McDonald's has ceased sourcing onions from Taylor Farms' Colorado Springs facility, which supplied onions to around 900 of its outlets. Despite frequent testing by suppliers within the date range specified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, none detected this particular E. coli strain, McDonald's spokespeople said.
This incident is not isolated, as past outbreaks at other fast-food chains, including Taco Bell and Wendy's, have also been linked to contaminated raw vegetables. Mike Taylor, a former FDA official, suggests that major buyers like fast-food chains and grocery stores collaborate to modernize and harmonize safety standards across suppliers to enhance produce safety.
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Major U.S. fast-food chains take onions off menus over E. coli crisis
cgtn.com
