**E. coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald's Onions Affects Over 100**

A significant E.coli outbreak linked to slivered onions used in McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers in the United States has caused illness in 104 individuals, report US health officials. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided an update on the situation, revealing that 34 of those affected needed hospitalization, and one individual sadly passed away in October.

Following the outbreak, supplier Taylor Farms initiated a recall of the onions in October. This action came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified these onions as the probable source of the contamination. McDonald's has since secured an alternative supplier and resumed Quarter Pounder sales at the impacted restaurants.

Illness onset dates span from September 12th to October 21st, according to the CDC's findings. The contaminated onions were distributed extensively across western and midwestern states like Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, as well as other regions including Oklahoma, Idaho, and New Mexico. The FDA, along with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, has been collecting onion and environmental samples from McDonald's establishments and distribution centers, with tests still in progress.

The FDA reassured the public in its update, noting that there seems to be no ongoing food safety threat associated with McDonald's restaurants at this time. Officials stated it is unlikely the recalled onions were sold in grocery stores or directly to consumers.

In response to the outbreak, McDonald's had temporarily halted the sale of the Quarter Pounder burger in approximately 20% of its US locations in October. Some affected individuals have initiated legal actions against the fast-food chain, including a proposed class-action lawsuit filed in October. The company confirmed it had severed ties with the onion supplier and removed the contaminated onions from its supply chain.

Following tests that confirmed their beef patties were free of contamination, McDonald's resumed Quarter Pounder sales nationwide. In a statement on October 29th, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski issued an apology for the outbreak, expressing deep regret for the customers' experiences and committing to rectify the situation.

McDonald's reiterated its commitment to food safety and announced that about 900 of its restaurants, which had paused Quarter Pounder sales, have now resumed selling the burger with slivered onions from the new supplier. Taylor Farms has yet to comment on the situation.

The BBC has contacted Taylor Farms for further comment on the issue.