We now know that a McDonald's favorite is not the source of the E. coli outbreak that has spread to 13 states. So, which one's the culprit?
In a statement on Sunday, McDonald's North America Chief Supply Chain Officer Cesar Piña confirmed that its Quarter Pounder beef patties have tested negative for E. coli. The test was completed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Piña said about 900 locations will resume sales of Quarter Pounders but without slivered onions, which is believed to be the source of the outbreak.
The Food and Drug Administration is continuing its investigation of Taylor Farms in Colorado Springs, McDonald's supplier of onions in several states. The company has since initiated a recall of its onions following the outbreak.
Taylor Farms also supplies onions to other restaurants, forcing several brands like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut to remove onions from their menu items, Reuters noted.
McDonald's removed onions from its supply chain on October 22.
"The issue appears to be contained to a particular ingredient and geography, and we remain very confident that any contaminated product related to this outbreak has been removed from our supply chain and is out of all McDonald’s restaurants," Piña explained.
According to an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 75 E. coli infection cases reported across 13 states -- 22 were hospitalized and there has been one death.
Colorado had the most cases with 26, followed by Montana (13), Nebraska (11), and New Mexico and Utah with five each.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are bacteria normally found in the intestines of humans and animal guts, and are often harmless. However, some strains may cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, the Mayo Clinic noted.
E. coli infection often spreads through contaminated food and water.
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