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Yellow onions from a California-based company have emerged as the presumed source behind a severe E. coli outbreak, leading to the death of a Colorado man, numerous hospitalizations, and widespread recalls by businesses apprehensive about potential contamination. According to reports, the outbreak has particularly impacted Colorado, with more than two dozen cases, including the death of an elderly Mesa County resident.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert in response to the fast-spreading outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported an increase in cases, with the number of infected individuals rising to 75 from 49. The specific strain of E. coli involved, 157H7, is particularly concerning due to the potent toxins it produces, which can lead to severe intestinal and kidney damage.

The onset of this outbreak has been primarily linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers, as per ongoing health inspections. The fast food giant confirmed that the contaminated onions were sourced from Taylor Farms, based in Salinas, California. Taylor Farms has a distribution center in Colorado Springs, which seems to be a critical point in the supply chain implicated in the outbreak.

The outbreak has led several major restaurant chains, including Taco Bell, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Illegal Pete's in Colorado Springs, to remove onions from their menus. Additionally, US Foods, a prominent food distribution company, has issued recalls for specific onion products from several regional distribution centers, including one in Colorado Springs.

In the wake of the outbreak, legal actions have commenced. A man from Greeley who fell ill after consuming a McDonald's burger containing the suspected contaminated onions has filed a lawsuit against the company. Similarly, a woman from Nebraska has initiated legal proceedings after testing positive for E. coli following illness from a Quarter Pounder.

Historically, E. coli outbreaks have had devastating effects. The early 1990s saw a significant outbreak linked to Jack in the Box burgers, resulting in four deaths and over 170 hospitalizations. More recently, nearly 60 people were infected, and 10 died due to a listeria outbreak traced to deli meat from the Boar's Head plant in Virginia.

The prompt identification and response to such outbreaks by public health agencies are crucial. The CDC estimates that for every reported case of foodborne illness, another 27 go unreported. This underlines the importance of rigorous tracking and testing by health authorities to mitigate the impact of such infectious diseases.