McDonald's has announced the eagerly awaited return of its Quarter Pounder to menus across all restaurants this week, following some concerning news tied to an E. coli outbreak linked to its iconic burgers. This decision was made after analyzing new data which indicated the beef patties served have tested negative for E. coli.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had previously issued a food safety alert, warning of reports from dozens of individuals who had fallen ill after consuming the Quarter Pounder. According to the CDC, this outbreak has been responsible for at least 75 illnesses across 13 states, leading to 22 hospitalizations and, tragically, one confirmed death.
Initial investigations did not pinpoint a specific ingredient as the direct cause, but experts from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggested potential contamination sources could include slivered onions or the beef patties used on the Quarter Pounder sandwiches.
Further developments came as the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) conducted thorough investigations. They traced the beef patties from suppliers to the establishments where they were produced. Fortunately, they did not find evidence linking ground beef to the outbreak.
On Sunday, officials from the Colorado Department of Agriculture confirmed their tests on beef patties associated with the cases came back negative for E. coli. They analyzed fresh patties from McDonald's restaurants linked to the reported illnesses.
Based on this promising data, McDonald's expressed confidence, stating they could exclude fresh beef patties from the list of possible contamination sources. The company's subsequent actions included requesting suppliers to provide fresh patties once again, with the beloved Quarter Pounder expected back on menus within the week.
For the approximately 900 locations across Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, and several other states affected by onion distribution from Taylor Farms, the restaurants will continue to offer Quarter Pounders without slivered onions until the situation is deemed entirely safe.
The investigation is still underway. The FDA, USDA, and CDC are collaborating with partners to identify the outbreak's origins. Taylor Farms, the supplier of the slivered onions, has taken precautionary measures by removing yellow onions from the market. Similarly, distributor US Foods has initiated recalls for four onion products due to potential E. coli contamination risks.
McDonald's US President, Joe Erlinger, addressed customers via video, reinforcing the company's commitment to food safety, stating, "I know our relationship is built on trust. You trust us to serve you safe food every time." He also expressed remorse for those affected by the outbreak, saying, "On behalf of the McDonald’s system, I want you to hear from me: we are sorry. For those customers affected, you have my commitment, led by our values, we will make this right."