US CDC REPORTS 75 PEOPLE INFECTED IN E. COLI OUTBREAK LINKED TO MCDONALD'S BURGERS

WASHINGTON, Oct 26 (Bernama-UPI) -- McDonald's is naming the supplier believed to be responsible for an E. coli outbreak linked to the company's Quarter Pounders in more than 10 states, as the number of infected people rose to 75 on Friday, United Press International (UPI) reported.

The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the infection has now spread to 13 states, with 26 new illnesses now reported as of the latest update. Authorities have now identified cases in Michigan, New Mexico and Washington.

Officials confirmed 75 people overall have now been infected. That number includes 12 new hospitalisations, bringing that total to 22.

Earlier in the week, the fast food chain confirmed California-based Taylor Farms supplied onions that are likely behind the bacterial outbreak.

All confirmed infections stem from the restaurant's Quarter Pounder burger. Other menu items are not affected.

Following the news, other fast food chains pulled onions produced at a Taylor Farms facility in Colorado from some of their locations.

Yum Brands is pulling fresh diced and whole onions from some of its KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell locations, while Burger King is taking similar steps.

"We will continue following supplier and regulatory guidance to ensure the ongoing safety and quality of our food," Yum Foods told CBS News in a statement.

Around 5 per cent of Burger King locations in the United States receive their onions from Taylor Farms, which was founded in Salinas, California, in 1995 and is well known for its pre-made salad kits.

"We test both raw and finished products for pathogens and have found no traces of E. coli. We have never seen E. coli O157:H7 associated with onions in the past," Taylor Farms said in a general statement, without specifically mentioning the current outbreak.

"Out of an abundance of caution, Taylor Farms Colorado removed yellow onions from the market produced out of our Colorado facility.

"We continue to work closely with FDA and CDC during this ongoing investigation. Our priority is the health and wellness of our customers and consumers and the safety and quality of our products."

Earlier this week, the CDC said it was looking into what it calls a "fast-moving" outbreak of E.coli, which is being linked to the death of one person in Colorado. At least 49 people have gotten sick, including 10 that required hospitalisation.

The first E. coli case linked to a McDonald's Quarter Pounder was reported in late September.

Most E. coli bacteria are harmless and part of a normal intestinal tract, according to the CDC

However, people can get infected after swallowing E. coli, often through contaminated food or water or contact with animals, environments, or other people.

-- BERNAMA-UPI