A food service supplier has reported that Taylor Farms had recalled onions because of concerns about E. coli. The recall comes as public health inspectors are investigating a deadly E.
coli outbreak that has been traced to McDonald’s Quarter Pound hamburgers served with raw slivered onions. A total of 49 people across ten states have been sickened, and one person has died. The recall alert from US Foods does not mention the outbreak or whether it supplies onions to McDonald’s.
However, US Foods is the largest supplier of food to food service operations in the country. According to the US Foods notice sent to its customers who received yellow onions from Taylor Farms, the recalled onions were distributed in several forms. According to the US Foods notice, peeled whole onions and diced fresh yellow onions are subject to the Taylor Farms recall.
The notice says it “is urgent that you stop using the affected product as soon as possible.” The onions should also be destroyed. The E.
coli outbreak traced to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers remains under investigation. The Food and Drug Administration, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are all involved in the investigation. The USDA is investigating the fresh, not frozen, beef patties, and the FDA is investigating the onions. Preliminary reports suggest that the onions are the most likely source of E.
coli. All 49 sick people report eating at McDonald’s before beco.
