McDonald’s will reintroduce its popular Quarter Pounder sandwich to menus nationwide this week, following a temporary pause due to an E. coli outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed 75 cases of E. coli infections across 13 states, prompting an investigation that initially pointed to slivered onions or beef patties used in Quarter Pounders as potential sources. While federal health officials have not confirmed a specific ingredient as the source of contamination, McDonald’s, in coordination with the USDA, announced that it has removed any potentially tainted products from its supply chain.
In response to the outbreak, McDonald’s and other fast-food chains, including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, removed onions from their menus as a precautionary measure. The outbreak led to heightened scrutiny of produce suppliers and beef sources across the fast-food industry, with the USDA working to trace the origin of the contamination.
McDonald’s stated on Sunday that it is confident in its current supply of ingredients and that customers can safely enjoy the Quarter Pounder again. This assurance follows a series of food safety protocols designed to prevent further contamination and ensure customer health. The company is also implementing additional checks on its suppliers to avoid future incidents.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation and advises anyone experiencing E. coli symptoms, such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, to seek medical attention. As the fast-food giant resumes Quarter Pounder sales, the outbreak serves as a reminder of the critical importance of food safety practices in high-volume restaurant chains.
