The Escherichia coli (E. coli) outbreak has been associated with the Quarteirão sandwich
Summary
An outbreak of E. coli bacteria in the United States has been associated with McDonald’s Quarteirão sandwich, with fresh cut onions as a possible source of contamination.
Recently, a Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria epidemic in the United States was detected after several people were hospitalized with the same symptoms and a food safety alert was issued by the country’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contamination has been associated with the Quarteirão sandwich, sold by the fast food chain McDonald’s.
After investigations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Wednesday (30) that sliced fresh onions used by McDonald’s may have been the source of the outbreak. Escheria coli has caused one death in the country.
“It is not necessary to avoid eating onions or other onion-based foods,” the CDC explained in a statement.
When you consume food or water contaminated with these strains of E. coli, the bacteria attach to the walls of the intestine and begin to release toxins that damage the digestive system.
In some affected regions, McDonald’s outlets have temporarily suspended the use of sliced onions. Additionally, other fast-food restaurants that received onions from this supplier, such as Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, have eliminated the ingredients from their menus in some places.
The CDC also said it was not likely that the harvested onions were destined for supermarkets or directly to consumers.
The investigation, which began on October 22, also involved hamburger meat produced in Quarteirão. However, last Sunday (27), the Colorado Department of Agriculture reported that McDonald’s burgers used in the popular snack were negative for Escherichia coli.
On Monday (29), the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said the evidence did not point to ground beef as a possible source of contamination.
After analysis, McDonald’s announced that this week it will resume sales of Quarteirão across the entire chain. However, the 900 restaurants that previously received sliced onions from Taylor Farms did not include onions in these sandwiches.
Prevention and treatment
Prevention of E. coli infections involves basic food hygiene practices. It is essential to wash your hands well, especially before meals and after handling raw foods, and make sure that meats are completely cooked.
Products such as dairy products must be pasteurized and fruits and vegetables must be properly sanitized.
Source: Terra
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