McDonald’s releases statement on recall of onions from Taylor Farms’ Colorado facility:

McDonald’s has released the following statement on the recall of onions from a facility related to an E. coli outbreak:

We understand from our ongoing partnership with health authorities that onions from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility have been a source of focus in an ongoing investigation related to E. coli O157:H7.

As noted by FDA on October 22, 2024, slivered onions from Taylor Farms’ facility in Colorado Springs are the “likely source of contamination.” In its update today (October 25, 2024), FDA notes that yellow onions were sold by this supplier and from this facility to additional food service customers.

McDonald’s stopped selling this product as of October 22, 2024, and we understand FDA is continuing its investigation into that facility. Prior to this action, slivered onions from this facility were distributed to approximately 900 McDonald’s restaurants, in Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, and portions of other states in the area. A select number of restaurants were in transportation hubs, such as airports, which may account for illnesses in additional states. Nothing is more important to us than the quality and safety of our food, which is why McDonald’s took swift and decisive action to protect the health of our customers.

We also understand that onions were distributed by this supplier, from this facility, well beyond McDonald’s System (including other quick service restaurants, food service providers and retailers). In the past 24 hours, many appear to have followed McDonald’s lead in not serving onions from this facility. We fully expect others in our industry will also follow the imperative to be transparent in service of public health, and we expect health authorities will continue to provide updates.

While McDonald’s removed all slivered onions produced from this facility as of October 22, 2024, due to broad concern and our unwavering commitment to food safety we have made the decision to stop sourcing onions from Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility indefinitely.

As a reminder, all other menu items, including other beef products (including the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and the Double Cheeseburger) are unaffected and available.

At McDonald’s, food safety is something we will never compromise on. Customers can count on McDonald’s.