An outbreak of E. coli linked to contaminated onions has resulted in at least 49 people falling ill in 10 US states, with one death reported. Fast-food chains including McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, and Taco Bell have taken action to address the issue, with McDonald’s pulling its Quarter Pounder sandwiches from some outlets and naming a supplier in California as the source of the contaminated onions. Burger King and Taco Bell’s parent companies have also removed onions from certain menu items as a precaution. Illegal Pete’s, a Mexican fast-food chain in Colorado, has temporarily suspended items containing onions as well. The CDC has identified the bacteria responsible for the illnesses as E. coli O157:H7, which can cause severe symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. This strain of E. coli is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Taylor Farms, the California-based supplier of the contaminated onions, has not yet commented on the situation. Consumers are advised to be cautious and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms of E. coli poisoning after consuming contaminated food.
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