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

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.