McDonald’s announced on Sunday that it would soon resume the sale of its hamburgers in regions of the United States affected by E contamination. coli, after tests did not reveal the presence of the bacteria.
• Also read: Epidemic of E. coli at McDonald’s: number of cases rises to 75
• Also read: Epidemic of E. Coli: Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut and other chains remove onions from their menu
• Also read: E. coli bacteria at McDonald’s: onion can easily be contaminated, says microbiologist
Some 75 people fell ill after eating at one of the fast food chain’s establishments.
At least 22 of them were hospitalized and one died, according to data published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
An FDA investigation revealed a possible link between E. coli and onions supplied by subcontractor Taylor Farms.
Based on this information, McDonald’s suspended its onion supplies from this farmer indefinitely.
The company said it received notification over the weekend of negative tests from the Colorado State Department of Agriculture, where many of the affected establishments are located.
The authorities have indicated to McDonald’s that they do not intend to carry out additional tests, according to a press release from the group, published on Sunday.
“The problem appears to be limited to one ingredient and one geographical area,” the company said, saying it was “confident” in the fact that “any product linked to this contamination (had) been removed from (its) supply chain.” .
The onions in question were only used to make the Quarter Pounder.
McDonald’s had decided to suspend the marketing of this hamburger in some 900 restaurants in Colorado and 11 other American states.
The group plans to resume the sale of Quarter Pounders in these establishments “this week”.
Several alleged victims of this contamination have already taken McDonald’s to court.
The E. coli bacteria can cause stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting for several days.
Most people recover without treatment in a week or less, but some patients can develop complications, including kidney failure.
“I know our relationship is based on trust,” McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger said in a video posted online Sunday. “On behalf of McDonald’s, I’ll tell you myself: we’re sorry.”
After measures taken to remove suspect ingredients from the supply chain, “we can confidently say that it is safe to eat at McDonald’s,” the executive said.
