### E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders Expands to 13 States

A concerning outbreak of E. coli infection, associated with McDonald's Quarter Pounders, has now affected at least 75 individuals across 13 states, according to federal health officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 22 people have been hospitalized, with two cases escalating to dangerous kidney disease complications. Tragically, an individual in Colorado has succumbed to the illness.

The exact cause of the outbreak remains undetermined; however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated that uncooked slivered onions, used in the burgers, are a probable source of contamination. Taylor Farms, a California-based producer supplying raw slivered onions to McDonald's, has voluntarily recalled yellow onions due to potential E. coli contamination. McDonald's confirmed that these onions were distributed to the impacted restaurants.

Despite repeated inquiries, Taylor Farms has not provided a comment to The Associated Press. McDonald's also refrained from disclosing the specific distribution point but has withdrawn the Quarter Pounder from menus in numerous states, mainly in the Midwest and Mountain regions, following the outbreak's announcement on Tuesday.

Interestingly, another fast-food chain, Burger King, procures whole onions from Taylor Farms' Colorado facility and has ceased their usage despite no reported illnesses. This move illustrates a precautionary measure amidst the outbreak.

The scale of the outbreak became more alarming on Friday, with the number of cases surging from an initial 49 to 75. Colorado has been the most affected state with 26 reported cases, followed by Montana with 13, and Nebraska with 11. Other states, including New Mexico, Utah, Missouri, Wyoming, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Washington, have also reported cases. Some of the afflicted individuals noted traveling prior to their symptoms and had eaten at McDonald's during their trips.

Taylor Farms communicated the onion recall to its customers directly, bypassing the general public. Although it remains uncertain if their onions are the definitive cause, several other fast-food establishments like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King have preemptively removed onions from their menus in select areas this week. Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, reported that a small fraction of its restaurants utilize whole onions from Taylor Farms' Colorado facility.

As the investigation continues, both federal health officials and involved companies are urging caution and monitoring the situation closely to prevent further spread.