According to a CDC release, the multi-state outbreak of O157:H7 E. coli can be attributed to contaminated shredded onion incorporated in Quarter Pounder hamburgers. McDonald’s has recalled Quarter Pounders in a number of states and all onions from Taylor Farms, the implicated supplier, have been recalled. As a precaution, other QSRs have removed onions from servings until additional investigations demonstrate the extent of contamination. As of October 24th, 75 cases have been diagnosed with 22 hospitalizations, two with hemolytic uremic syndrome and one fatality other than the two cases with renal complications. It is evident that far more cases occurred than were diagnosed and recorded since these were sufficiently mild as to not require medical intervention.
This case illustrates the ability of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to detect the emergence of a foodborne infection using databases. Collaboration among public health and regulatory officials in a number of states enables gathering of data, identifying the source of an infection in order to implement corrective action. Obviously, the cooperation of patients, food manufacturers and restaurants is necessary to implement investigations.
As of October 28th McDonalds has reintroduced the Quarter Pounder without the onions.