A recent E. coli O157 outbreak linked to slivered onions used in fast-food burgers has raised significant food safety concerns across the United States. As of October 30, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 90 infections across 13 states, including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Wisconsin, Washington, and Michigan. Illnesses began between September 27 and October 16, resulting in 27 hospitalizations, two cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)—a severe condition that can cause kidney failure—and one death in an older adult in Colorado (CDC).
Identifying the Source of Contamination
Of the 62 people interviewed about their food history, all had eaten at McDonald’s prior to falling ill. Specifically, 83% reported eating a menu item containing fresh, slivered onions, while 79% had consumed a meal with fresh quarter-pound beef patties. This epidemiological evidence led investigators to suspect fresh, slivered onions as the primary source of contamination. Both McDonald’s and Taylor Farms, the supplier of the onions, responded promptly, removing the onions from their supply chains to prevent further exposure. The recalled onions were distributed exclusively to food service businesses, such as restaurants, and were not sold in grocery stores or directly to consumers (FDA).
Scope of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in the USA and Canada
In the United States, the CDC estimates that 48 million foodborne illnesses occur each year, leading to approximately 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths across pathogens like Salmonella, Norovirus, Campylobacter, Listeria, E. coli, and others (CDC Foodborne Burden). Common sources of contamination include fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and waterborne exposure. Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, defined as cases where two or more people get sick from the same contaminated food, are reported between 800-1,000 times annually, highlighting the persistent threat posed by various pathogens.
In Canada, foodborne illness statistics indicate an estimated 4 million cases annually, resulting in approximately 11,600 hospitalizations and 240 deaths. The most common pathogens contributing to these illnesses include Norovirus, Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens. Canada experiences around 100-150 reported outbreaks each year (Public Health Agency of Canada), often related to contaminated produce, meats, dairy, and seafood.
Preventive Measures in Food Safety
This recent E. coli outbreak, alongside the statistics for foodborne illness, underscores the critical importance of food safety protocols. To protect public health, food producers and service providers should prioritize:
- Supplier Audits: Regular and comprehensive evaluations of suppliers to ensure adherence to food safety and handling standards.
- Advanced Testing: Implementing pathogen testing on raw materials and finished products to detect contaminants early.
- Employee Training: Educating staff on food handling practices to prevent cross-contamination and improve hygiene standards.
- Traceability and Rapid Response: Establishing systems for quick traceability and recall processes to minimize public health risks in case of contamination.
CREM Co Labs’ Commitment
At CREM Co Labs, we recognize the vital role of proactive food safety testing in preventing such incidents. Our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory offers comprehensive microbiological testing services for fresh produce and other food products, assisting our partners in meeting stringent safety standards and mitigating risks before products reach consumers. In addition to these services, CREM Co Labs provides specialized auditing of food facility surfaces and air to identify potential sources of contamination. By analyzing environmental samples, our team can help pinpoint contamination sources, enabling food facilities to take targeted actions to reduce risk and maintain high standards of safety.
This outbreak illustrates that, as food safety standards continue to evolve, robust pathogen detection and environmental monitoring are essential for any business in the food industry. CREM Co Labs is here to support food producers in implementing these safeguards with reliable testing solutions, tailored to meet today’s high safety standards.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “E. coli Outbreak Linked to Onions Served at McDonald’s.” cdc.gov
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: McDonald’s Quarter Pounders (October 2024).” fda.gov
- Reuters. “Fast-food chains hold the onions after McDonald’s E. coli outbreak.” reuters.com
- Food & Wine. “The CDC Is Launching a ‘Fast-Moving Outbreak Investigation’ After 49 People Across Multiple States Were Sickened With E. coli Linked to McDonald’s.” foodandwine.com
- The New York Post. “McDonald’s Quarter Pounder gave me E.coli and put me in the hospital – now I’m suing.” nypost.com
Keywords
Foodborne Illness, E. coli, Salmonella, Norovirus, Campylobacter, Listeria, CDC, FDA, Public Health Agency of Canada, Food Safety, Supplier Audits, Advanced Testing, Employee Training, Traceability, Rapid Response, Microbiological Testing, Environmental Monitoring, Food Safety Standards