Rivals of McDonald’s in the U.S. removed onions from their menus on Thursday after the E. coli outbreak linked to the vegetable. Fast-food chains like Burger King and Yum Brands, which operates Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, acted quickly. Yum Brands stated they eliminated onions from certain locations “out of an abundance of caution.” #McDonaldsEColiOutbreak
The E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has caused at least one death and nearly 50 illnesses in the U.S. West and Midwest. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed Taylor Farms supplied the affected McDonald’s restaurants.
US Foods issued a recall memo stating the company recalled yellow onions produced at a Colorado facility. Following the outbreak, some people in Washington D.C. hesitated to eat hamburgers.
“I probably would not buy a Quarter Pounder at this point, but again, look, I think that the corporation is out in front of it along with U.S. authorities and agencies. So I think it will be, I think it will be resolved soon.”
Previous E. coli outbreaks, such as those in 2015 at Chipotle Mexican Grill and in 1993 at Jack in the Box, caused declining sales at major fast-food chains across the U.S.
Keith Warriner, a food science professor at the University of Guelph, cautions that additional cases might emerge.
“The incubation period for E. coli 157 is typically ten days. And the last sort of reported case I think was last week. So the problem is, is that you’ve got other cases that might be occurring but yet have to be linked to the outbreak. And very typically what happens is that the numbers expand.”
Regulators continue to investigate if McDonald’s beef patties may be impacted by the outbreak.
However, E. coli is eliminated in beef when cooked thoroughly. #McDonaldsEColiOutbreak
Restoring Consumer Confidence in Fast Food After the E. Coli Outbreak
Moreover, public trust in fast-food establishments is at stake following the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak. Customers are increasingly concerned about food safety practices at these restaurants. Ultimately, these actions reflect a growing commitment to prioritize consumer health and safety in the fast-food industry.
