Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC are removing onions from their food in US. Here's why

Major fast food restaurants are reportedly removing onions from their dishes across the United States.

This follows a major E.coli outbreak in the country recently. The outbreak started at some McDonald’s outlets where people consumeed the Quarter Pounder burgers. Later it was revealed that the onions used in the burgers could be the culprits.

Following the outbreak, which is now linked to pre-sliced onions, major food chains such as KFC, Taco Bell, and Burger King to remove fresh onions from their menus in the US.

What is E.coli

E.coli, also known as Escherichia coli, is a harmful bacteria that can cause serious health issues if one consumes contaminated food or water. Symptoms of E. coli infection include stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, kidney failure. These symptoms typically appear two to five days after exposure, posing a high risk for children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed the outbreak has resulted in at least one death. The CDC emphasizes the importance of strict food safety protocols in food preparation and storage. "The CDC’s involvement in this outbreak indicates the significant health threats presented by E. coli," the article mentions.

Fast-food chains responded quickly to ensure customer safety. Yum! Brands, which owns Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, removed fresh onions from some locations. Burger King requested 5% of its restaurants to dispose of onions from Taylor Farms, the same supplier linked to the affected McDonald’s onions. Although Taylor Farms found no E. coli in its products, it has withdrawn certain yellow onion batches as a precaution.

McDonald’s has temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from 20% of its affected locations and is working with health authorities to find the contamination source. The outbreak has increased awareness of necessary food safety protocols in the fast-food industry, highlighting the importance of proper food storage and handling practices to prevent contamination.