McDonald's to Reinstate Quarter Pounder Sales After E. Coli Scare

McDonald's has officially resumed sales of its Quarter Pounder burgers across all US locations after determining that its beef patties were not the source of an E. coli outbreak that impacted numerous individuals, leading to at least one fatality and many subsequent illnesses. The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) confirmed that samples taken from McDonald's beef patties tested negative for the bacteria, prompting the fast-food chain to lift its sales suspension that previously affected around 20% of its restaurants. McDonald's received reassurance from the CDA, which indicated no further testing would be necessary.

Cesar Piña, McDonald's North America Chief Supply Chain Officer, expressed confidence in the containment of the issue. He stated: "The issue appears to be contained to a particular ingredient and geography, and we remain very confident that any contaminated product related to this outbreak has been removed from our supply chain." Despite this positive development, attention was drawn to slivered onions as a potential source of contamination, which the US Food and Drug Administration identified as problematic. In response, McDonald's has terminated its relationship with the onion supplier, ensuring no further slivered onions from the Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility will be included in their products. The 900 affected restaurants are set to resume offering Quarter Pounders, albeit without slivered onions.

However, the crisis has not come without consequences, as McDonald's is now facing lawsuits from multiple individuals who reported illnesses related to the outbreak, highlighting the ongoing impact and scrutiny the company must navigate.