A McDonald’s supplier recalled onions due to suspected E. coli contamination amid an outbreak that sickened 49 people and left one dead.
California-based Taylor Farms issued the recall, revealed by a food supplier, after reports suggested cut vegetables were a “likely source of contamination.”
The onions were believed to have been used at Quarter Pounders, which are at the center of the outbreak affecting ten states.
Restaurants with recalled onions have been advised to “destroy” them immediately.
Investigations are still ongoing into the cause of the outbreak, linked to Quarter Pounders.
Four products were included in the recall: peeled jumbo yellow onions, two types of diced fresh yellow onions, and whole peeled yellow onions.
Taylor Farms onions have not yet tested positive for E. coli and officials have not confirmed whether the recall is related to the outbreak.
But sources say their efforts to trace the source of the contamination have focused on onions because the burgers used at Quarter Pounders in the affected states came from different sources. McDonald’s said the burgers are also cooked to a temperature of 175°F, which would kill bacteria that cannot survive above 160°F.
In a recall notice, US Foods, a major distributor, said: ‘There is a potential food safety issue. It is urgent that you stop using the affected product as soon as possible.
“If you find any affected products, record the number of cases and then destroy the product.”
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