by the Editorial Staff of OnionBusiness.com
The December 3, 2024, announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closing its investigation into the E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions at McDonald’s is troubling for more reasons than one. While the CDC determined the outbreak was “most likely” due to the onions served on McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, they also admitted that the strain of E. coli that sickened over 100 individuals was not found in the onions or the associated environment.
This inconclusive outcome leaves onion growers, processors, and distributors dealing with public backlash and diminished consumer confidence. Moreover, the brevity of the widely distributed FDA short version of the CDC’s update—stating only that onions were the “likely” source—fails to clarify the nuances of the investigation. The more detailed, yet less publicized, CDC long version highlights the lack of a definitive link between the outbreak and the onions.
While we commend the CDC and its partners for acting swiftly when foodborne illnesses pose a risk to public health, there is a significant need for balance. The rush to name a “likely” source without concrete evidence has consequences that ripple through the entire supply chain, from growers to retailers. Public perception is shaped by these announcements, and industries are left to pick up the pieces when the investigations conclude inconclusively.
The onion industry, like many others in the produce sector, operates with a commitment to food safety. From farm to fork, stringent measures are taken to ensure that consumers enjoy fresh, healthy, and safe produce. However, when investigations close without definitive findings, the damage to reputations is often irreversible.
The CDC’s use of terms like “likely” without clearer disclaimers undermines public trust in both the produce industry and the agencies tasked with protecting it. For the industry, “likely” becomes synonymous with blame, even in the absence of scientific confirmation. The repercussions are amplified when shorter, more alarming updates are disseminated widely, while nuanced explanations are buried in longer reports.
We call on the CDC, FDA and other investigative bodies to take additional steps to clarify their findings in cases like this. If an outbreak cannot be definitively traced to a source, the public should be made explicitly aware of this uncertainty. Furthermore, when recalls are retracted, these updates should receive the same level of visibility as the initial announcements.
Food safety is a shared responsibility, and no one—neither the public nor the onion industry—benefits from inconclusive investigations being framed as definitive. Clear communication, equitable reporting, and transparency are critical not only for public health but also for the continued vitality of industries dedicated to providing fresh and safe produce.
The onion industry deserves better. And so does the public.
— The Editorial Staff of OnionBusiness.com
Background on E. Coli Investigation Findings: A Deeper Dive into FDA and CDC Announcements
To provide context for our editorial, we are offering additional background and resources to help readers better understand the situation surrounding the recent E. coli outbreak investigation and the basis for our call to action. Two official announcements, now available for review, shed light on the conclusions reached by the FDA and CDC but leave room for further scrutiny.
FDA Announcement: A Brief Summary
The FDA’s closure of the investigation into the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak offers a concise account of the findings. The agency confirmed a link between onions and the outbreak but did not elaborate on specifics. While the statement provides closure in a formal sense, its brevity leaves unanswered questions about the depth and scope of the investigation. Readers can view the FDA’s announcement in the PDF link [here].
CDC Update: More Detail, More Questions
In contrast, the CDC’s update, which we accessed on December 3, delves into greater detail regarding the investigation. The CDC concluded that onions were “likely” the source of the outbreak, citing epidemiological and traceback data. However, their findings stop short of offering conclusive evidence. The report raises critical questions about how the investigation was conducted, the challenges in tracing produce through the supply chain, and the standard of evidence used to determine a product’s role in an outbreak. The CDC update can be accessed via the PDF link [here].
We welcome your feedback. Please send us your thoughts: info@onionbusiness.com
