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 becoming ill. Many of them report having eaten Quarter Pounder hamburgers. Ten of the sick people have required hospitalization, including one child who has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which causes kidney damage and failure.
About E. coli infections
Anyone who has eaten at McDonald’s and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications.
About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, tiredness, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor.
Some people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients.
People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,click here)