KFC, Pizza Hut remove onions amid McDonald’s E. coli scare

Fast food giants KFC and Pizza Hut is removing onions used on select menu items in the U.S. due to concerns about possible E. coli contamination linked to a recent outbreak linked to McDonald’s restaurants

As reported Newsweekat least 10 people were hospitalized one person died in Colorado Escherichia coli (Escherichia coli) associated with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

Although the exact source of infection has yet to be determined, the outbreak may be linked to chopped onions. In response, KFC and Pizza Hut, owned by Yum! Brands have decided to remove onions from certain menu items.

The onion ban at the three fast-food chains appears to affect popular menu items that include fresh onions at KFC, as well as salads and signature pizzas at Pizza Hut.

In a statement emailed to Bloombergas reported by Business Insider, Yum! The brands said they made the decision out of “an abundance of caution.” Newsweek approached Yum! Brands was reached by phone after hours for comment on Friday.

Other fast food restaurants, including Taco Bell and Burger Kingalso pulled onions from some menus.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 49 cases of E. coli were reported in connection with McDonald’s in 10 states.

Health authorities, including the CDC, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and local health officials in many states outbreak investigation.

California produce company Taylor Farms was the source of the fresh onions linked to a deadly outbreak of Escherichia coli food poisoning at McDonald’s, the restaurant chain said Thursday.

McDonald’s officials said Taylor Farms of Salinas, Californiasent onions to one distribution location, prompting the fast-food chain to pull Quarter Pounder burgers from restaurants in several states, AP News reported.

The US Foods company announced about recall of four raw onion products supplied by Taylor Farmsdue to potential contamination with dangerous bacteria.

Health authorities advise consumers to be aware of potential symptoms associated with E. coli, which can include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as fast-food brands respond to the potential risk.

After the removal and preliminary recall, customers are encouraged to check online for updates on affected menu items and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms related to E. coli exposure.