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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the number of E. coli cases connected to McDonald's Quarter Pounders has surged to 90, up from 75 reported last Friday. The contaminated ingredient has been identified as the slivered onions used on the burgers, according to the CDC. Despite the increase in reported cases, the CDC assures the public that the current risk level remains very low, with the most recent infection occurring on October 16.

Tests conducted by the Colorado Agriculture Department have ruled out the beef patties as the source of the outbreak after no traces of E. coli were found. So far, the outbreak has resulted in one death and 27 hospitalizations, including at least two individuals who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a rare kidney condition. Among the affected is a 15-year-old from Grand Junction, Colorado, who is now undergoing dialysis after experiencing severe symptoms following consumption of the Quarter Pounder.

The outbreak is likely more widespread than indicated by the 90 confirmed cases, as many individuals with E. coli infections typically recover without testing. Thirteen states have reported cases: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the slivered onions, supplied by Taylor Farms Colorado Springs, as the probable source of the contamination. The FDA is also investigating an onion grower in Washington state as part of their inquiry. McDonald's has ceased sourcing onions from Taylor Farms and will begin offering the Quarter Pounder without onions at the affected restaurants this week.

Other restaurant chains in Colorado, including Taco Bell, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Illegal Pete's, have proactively removed onions from their menus, although there have been no reports of E. coli infections linked to these restaurants.