MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Washington grower of onions a target of federal probe over the cause of E. coli poisoning

Oct 31, 2024, 1:28 PM

Image: A pair of McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers are seen in New York City on Wednesday, Oct....

A pair of McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers are seen in New York City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. One of them has the top of the burger off and the pickles and onions showing. (Photo: Richard Drew, AP)

(Photo: Richard Drew, AP)

A grower of onions in the state of Washington is now a target of a federal investigation into what caused E. coli poisoning for 90 people across 13 states who ate at McDonald’s. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website, they have initiated inspections at an “onion grower of interest” in our state and at a processing center in Colorado. The name of the onion grower has not been released.

According to the FDA, at least one person in Washington fell ill. In an email to MyNorthwest last week, a Washington Department of Health (DOH) spokesman referred users to a website page it has created about the E. coli outbreaks. The agency website states that “one Washington resident has been included in this outbreak. This Washington case is likely related to an exposure at a McDonald’s in Colorado. At this time, there are no cases in this outbreak that are linked to a Washington state McDonald’s.”

Previous coverage: Washington added to list of states affected by E. coli infections linked to McDonald’s

The federal agency reported 27 people were hospitalized and one person has died.

The vast majority of those with E. coli told investigators they had eaten McDonald’s food items that contained raw, slivered onions. The FDA has said slivered onions on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers are likely the source of the E. coli, while McDonald’s said the onions came from Taylor Farms, which is based in California and has processing centers in several states including Washington.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), E. coli poisoning is responsible for thousands of illnesses and hospitalizations, and more than 60 deaths every year. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems.

Last week, the FDA said Taylor Farms recalled yellow onions they supplied to McDonald’s and other customers. They say it is unlikely the recalled yellow onions were sold to grocery stores or directly to consumers. In response, McDonald’s stores in affected states stopped using slivered onions. The FDA says diced onions used at McDonald’s are not affected in this current outbreak.

Food issues: Over 120 Washington stores part of major meat, poultry recall due to listeria concerns

“Due to the product actions taken by McDonald’s and Taylor Farms, CDC believes the continued risk to the public is very low,” the CDC reported in its statement on the matter.

Consumers who have already eaten slivered onions at McDonald’s and have symptoms of E. coli infection should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care immediately.

Contributing: Steve Coogan, MyNorthwest

Luke Duecy is a reporter, editor and anchor at KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of Luke’s stories here. Follow Luke on X, or email him here.

MyNorthwest News

Photo: The Washington Department of Health is urging people to get whooping cough vaccines as an ep...

Bill Kaczaraba

Washington hit with steep hike in whooping cough cases

Washington residents are being alerted to a big increase in whooping cough cases in the state, according to the Department of Health.

7 minutes ago

bird flu...

Luke Duecy

New report of bird flu in WA, sixth case in state since October

There is a new report of bird flu in Snohomish County, bringing the state's total to six bird flu cases since October.

34 minutes ago

capitol hill dinosaur...

Frank Sumrall

Capitol Hill dinosaur theft spree: SPD arrests costume-clad suspect

SPD was alerted of a reptile, specifically a species of dinosaur that was believed to be extinct, stealing packages throughout Capitol Hill.

2 hours ago

I-5 demonstrators protests...

Julia Dallas

Rolling slowdown demonstration moves south along I-5

Demonstrators are slowly rolling along I-5 south Thursday afternoon. KIRO Newsradio spoke to a man involved in the demonstration.

2 hours ago

Police lights...

Luke Duecy

The trigger was pulled 13 times, 34-year-old man died at the scene

The suspect told detectives he aimed a Glock 9mm at the 34-year-old man, closed his eyes, pulled the trigger 13 times, then fled in a car.

3 hours ago

California wilfires...

Associated Press

Winds fuel Southern California wildfires that has forced thousands to evacuate

A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds was tearing through a community northwest of Los Angeles for a second day.

4 hours ago

Washington grower of onions a target of federal probe over the cause of E. coli poisoning