A deadly E. bacteria outbreak that has affected 75 people across 13 states is identified as being linked to the yellow onions sold from Taylor Farms. This has resulted in the recall of Taylor Farms’ product. It also prompted several fast-food chains, such as McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, to eliminate the yellow onion from their menus. This comes after an incident in which McDonald’s recognized its quarter Pounders as the source of the contamination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the outbreak led to one death as well as at least 75 persons being ill by the 22nd of October. The person who died, an older patient with pre-existing medical conditions came located in Colorado in the words of Colorado Department of Public Health. Colorado Department of Public Health.

The Dr. Nicole Iovine, a prominent epidemiologist, has highlighted the dangers associated with centralized food production, noting that they could increase the effects of events that cause contamination. McDonald’s identified slivered onions inside the quarter Pounders as the cause of the outbreak and has stated that diced onions found in the other items on its menu do not have any effect from the recall.

Prevention measures to prevent foodborne illnesses recommended by Dr. Iovine, includes being cautious with foods consumed at home, and following that you follow the correct cooking techniques and practices when cooking meat or other produce in the your home.

Source: NJ