McDonald’s E. coli breakout touches Michigan

LEXIE THAYER
STAFF WRITER

11/11/2024

An E. Coli outbreak in America has been linked to the onions served on the Quarter Pounder, a popular burger sold at McDonald’s. There have been 90 reported cases as of Nov. 1, two of which have occurred in Michigan.

E. Coli, or Escherichia coli, is a bacteria that people can become exposed to through contaminated food or water. The supplier of McDonald’s onions – Taylor Farms – has since recalled the yellow onions that the fast-food joint serves because of the outbreak.

Taylor Farms is based in Salinas, California, and is known for providing produce to Chipotle and McDonald’s. It has over 26 processing plants across the country and more than 20,000 employees.

In response to this startling outbreak, McDonald’s released multiple statements on social media regarding the cases emerging throughout America.

“Last week, we took immediate action to remove slivered onions (used on our Quarter Pounder Burgers) from a small number of restaurants… On behalf of the McDonald’s system, we are sorry,” said McDonald’s in an Instagram post.

However, they did not act soon enough as cases have spread throughout 13 different states, including Michigan. One of these cases even occurred at a McDonald’s just two-and-a-half hours from Alma College.

At least 27 people have been hospitalized, with two developing hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that causes the liver to fail. One death in Colorado has been reported thus far.

“It’s kind of concerning that I didn’t know about this. I think that they should spread more information about it,” said Nayeli Santana-Venegas (‘27).

“I heard about it because of the meme going around blaming it on Trump. Remember when Trump worked at McDonald’s for a day[?]… People are joking that the E. coli is his fault,” said  Andersen Strand (‘25).

“I like McDonald’s and have also heard of the E. coli outbreaks. I am not surprised, and it’s a reason why I don’t trust their burgers. I hope they fix it, along with their ice cream machines,” said Jeremiah Thompson (‘28).

Coincidentally, Alma’s own Pine River also has a history of E. coli contamination caused by agricultural runoff and failing septic systems. Fish tested in the Pine River were 73% likely to have strands of E. coli.

“Even as a local, there’s not much I know about the Pine River. I know it is not clean enough to use as drinking water, but that’s about it. I know it can make all of Alma and St. Louis stink sometimes,” said Lily Sierakowski (‘28).

“Living as a local always made me aware of the Pine River and the harmful things inside of it. I remember being told from a young age to never go into the river… And, with the E. coli outbreak occurring at McDonald’s, I’ve been strangely reminded of our river,” said Hailee Risner (‘28).

“I’ve lived around the Pine River my entire life. I never knew E. coli was in it, though. I only knew that it was unsafe,” said Emily Ahearn (‘26).     

E. coli causes numerous harmful symptoms that can start appearing within 72 hours. Possible symptoms of E. coli include diarrhea for more than three days, stomach cramps, fever, vomiting and bloody urine.

It is strongly recommended that anyone experiencing symptoms of E. coli go to the hospital immediately. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases are likely to increase within the four weeks following the outbreak.

If experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.