What Families Need to Know About the McDonald's E. Coli Outbreak

Whether you’re pregnant and treating yourself to a well-deserved cheeseburger or grabbing a quick meal for the kids, McDonald’s is a go-to for many families. But a recent E. coli outbreak is giving parents pause before placing their usual orders.

In the past two weeks, 75 people across 13 states have gotten sick, with the Centers for Disease Control reporting that nearly all cases involved a recent visit to McDonald’s for a Quarter Pounder. The CDC has yet to determine the exact cause of the E. coli outbreak is still under investigation, McDonald’s locations in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma—where cases have been reported—have temporarily stopped using their current supply of slivered onions and beef patties.

While investigators are working to confirm which ingredient is making people sick and if it went to other restaurants or stores, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) points to silvered onions as the likely cause. McDonald’s supplier Taylor Farms has pulled yellow onions from the market, and distributor US Foods has issued a recall of four onion products due to potential E. coli contamination. In light of the FDA’s announcement other fast food restaurants including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC and Burger King have also pulled fresh onions from their current offerings.

The good news? CDC experts believe the peak risk period has passed, and most who ate McDonald’s in the past week or so are the ones most likely to be affected. E. Coli symptoms can show up in kids and adults in a matter of 3 to 4 days after eating affected food. Parents should be on the watch for symptoms like severe stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhea. If you or your child experiences these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor.

Learn more about what to do if you experience food poisoning during pregnancy and stay informed as to recent outbreaks at CDC.gov.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.