Concerns over food safety have intensified with recent bacterial contamination in frequently consumed items, including meat, processed foods, frozen products, and hamburgers, leading to deaths and hospitalizations.

Following a recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s, Costco has issued a large-scale recall on items like smoked salmon, chicken, and frozen waffles due to potential listeria contamination. The E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s has resulted in 75 cases, including one death. Investigations identified the infection source as onions supplied by a California food plant, urging Southern California residents to exercise caution with related food items.

On October 25, Costco announced it would recall its “Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon” purchased between October 9 and October 13, due to possible listeria contamination. Additionally, Costco recalled certain prepared chicken dishes, including "Lana Chicken Truffle Carbonara" and "Tagliatelle Grilled White Chicken & Portabella Mushroom Sauce," distributed between September and October, as they contained chicken from BrucePac, a company currently recalling around 1,000 pounds of meat and poultry products. Frozen waffles, specifically “Krusteaz Belgian Waffles” sold between October 13 and October 21, were also recalled for the same reason. Costco advises customers to return affected products for a refund.

The E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s is expanding. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 75 people in 13 states have contracted E. coli after eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. Of those, 22 were hospitalized, one died, and two patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious E. coli complication. Most cases are in Colorado, with others in Washington, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Michigan, and New Mexico. McDonald’s identified California-based Taylor Farms as the source of the contaminated onions used in the burgers and has indefinitely suspended their supply. Major fast-food chains like Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC have also stopped using Taylor Farms’ onions.

In recent months, there have been several other significant food recalls. In July, Boar’s Head recalled at least seven million pounds of deli and poultry meat for potential listeria contamination, resulting in 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths across 19 states. In September, two brands of eggs produced in Wisconsin were recalled nationwide over salmonella concerns.



<Hwang, Eui-kyung>