The FDA Has Not Been Able to Definitively Link Taylor Farms Onions to the Recent E. coli Outbreak Associated with McDonald’s. What Does That Mean?

Various food safety related websites and news articles have indicated that the FDA has not been able to definitively link Taylor Farms Onions to the recent E. coli outbreak associated with fast food restaurants. But what exactly does that mean?

Are investigators pointing a finger at this company for no reason? Or is there just more evidence needed to make the connection.

Likely it is the latter.

Here’s what we know about how Taylor Farms Onions have been implicated in the recent E. coli outbreak.

But first, let’s look at where the outbreak stands right now.

Outbreak Statistics

The E. coli outbreak associated with McDonalds burgers and Taylor Farms Onions has a total of 104 cases as of November 13, 2024.

So far at least 34 have been hospitalized and four people developed a life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). One death has been reported. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outbreak investigation report, this person was an older adult and was not one of the patients that developed HUS.

People began falling ill starting September 12, 2024, with the most recent illness onset of October 21, 2024.

As with most outbreaks, the true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than those reported. This is because many people recover on their own without needing medical care. Those people are not tested for E. coli and not included in the statistics.

Additionally, more recent illnesses may not be captured in this November 13^th update. It can take three to four weeks from a sick person going to the doctor for their illness to being linked to an ongoing outbreak.

Sick People Reported Eating at McDonald’s

State and local public health officials, during the course of the investigation, interviewed those involved in the outbreak about the foods they ate in the weeks prior to becoming sick.

Of the 81 people interviewed, 80 of them reported eating at McDonald’s. Most (75) of those interviewed remembered specific menu items they consumed from McDonald’s. Of those that remembered, 84% reported eating a menu item containing fresh slivered onions.

Some people traveled before becoming sick. At least seven people reported eating at McDonald’s during their travel.

Evidence suggesting fresh slivered onions from McDonald’s was overwhelming. The supplier for these McDonald’s slivered onions is Taylor Farms. For this reason, Taylor Farms onions were the next step in traceback investigation.

Additional sampling and an onsite visit were performed.

Puzzling Laboratory Data

The FDA tested slivered onions included in the Taylor Farms onions recall. The results created more questions than answers.

One of the samples of recalled onions tested positive for E. coli. However, this sample’s E. coli was not the outbreak strain Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7. This sample contained a different strain of non-O157:H7 E. coli that was not found in the outbreak. Or any other reported human illness.

The FDA continues to look into these results.

What Is E. coli and Why Is It So Dangerous?

E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of people and animals. While most strains of E. coli bacteria are harmless, the ones involved in the outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald’s and Taylor Farms onions are quite dangerous.

This E. coli bacteria is a type of toxin-producing bacteria known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC for short.

In addition to the problems associated with a typical bacterial infection, STEC toxins can cause serious harm to the human body.

STEC Symptoms

Symptoms of E. coli or STEC infections can vary from mild to severe. People usually begin feeling sick around three to four days after eating something contaminated with the pathogen, however some may feel sick as early as one day or as late as 10 or more days after exposure.

Common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. In some cases, people with STEC infections may experience a low-grade fever (less than 101 °F).

Most people begin to feel better within a week (five to seven days). However, some people (usually the elderly, young children, or the immunocompromised) go on to experience serious complications. One of the more common complications involves a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, is a type of complication associated with toxin-producing bacteria – such as STEC. About 5 to 10% of those diagnosed will develop HUS.

The toxin breaks down blood cells circulating in the body. These broken blood cells clog the filtering activities of the kidneys, resulting in a type of kidney failure that can be fatal. Those experiencing HUS require hospitalization and prompt treatment for survival.

HUS symptoms often appear just as diarrheal symptoms begin to improve.

Common HUS symptoms include decreased urination, paleness in cheeks and the inside of lower eyelids, and fatigue.

While most people recover within a few weeks with prompt medical care, others may suffer more permanent damage or even death from HUS related complications.

What To Do If You Have Eaten Taylor Farms Onions from McDonald’s

If you have become sick after eating Taylor Farms onions from McDonald’s, you may be wondering what you should do.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If You Have Severe E. coli Symptoms

Do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms. STEC infections can take a turn for the worse rather quickly. Pay close attention to HUS symptoms, as prompt hospitalization may improve your outcome.

Get Advice

If you have become sick and are part of the E. coli outbreak associated with Taylor Farms onions from McDonald’s, it is a good idea to get advice from an E. coli Lawyer.

The experienced E. coli Lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a case. Medical bills, lost wages, care of a loved one, and more all add up. Reach out for a free consultation by calling (833) 330-3663 or fill out an online submission form for more information.

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)