In a recent statement, McDonald’s has identified a Colorado Springs facility as the likely source of a concerning E. Coli outbreak. The fast-food giant announced that it will no longer source onions from Taylor Farms, the facility implicated in the ongoing investigation.

Details of the Outbreak

The E. Coli outbreak has raised alarms, with health officials urging caution among those who have dined at McDonald’s recently. Bill Marler, a lawyer representing several individuals in a lawsuit against the company, emphasized the need for public awareness during such outbreaks.

• Key Facts:
  • The outbreak is linked to slivered onions from Taylor Farms.
  • As of October 22, McDonald’s ceased selling the affected product.
  • The FDA is actively investigating the situation.

Marler noted, “I’m not a doctor. I’m just a lawyer, but I’ve seen a lot of this and I think during an outbreak people need to be aware.” His comments reflect the seriousness of the situation as more cases are reported.

Response from Taylor Farms

In response to the outbreak, Taylor Farms issued a statement expressing their commitment to food safety. They acknowledged the impact of the E. Coli outbreak and extended their thoughts to those affected.

• Taylor Farms’ Actions:
  • Preemptively recalled yellow onions from their Colorado facility.
  • Collaborating with the CDC and FDA on the investigation.
  • Assured consumers that all products currently in the market are safe.

The company emphasized its dedication to providing safe, healthy food and expressed sadness over the illnesses linked to the outbreak.

Impact and Ongoing Investigation

As of the latest reports, the outbreak has resulted in 75 confirmed illnesses, including one death in Mesa County, Colorado. The CDC reported 26 new cases since Tuesday, highlighting the outbreak’s growing impact.

• Legal Actions:
  • One individual has already filed a lawsuit related to the outbreak.
  • Marler warned that the number of cases could increase, citing past outbreaks as a reference.

He recalled a previous incident involving Wendy’s, which began with 25 cases and escalated to 109, illustrating the potential for outbreaks to grow rapidly.

Public Health Outlook

Despite the alarming nature of the outbreak, the CDC has indicated that the risk to the public is currently “very low” due to the proactive measures taken by McDonald’s and Taylor Farms.

As investigations continue, both companies are working diligently to ensure consumer safety and prevent further incidents.