McDonald's claims it's beef patties were not the source of an e-coli outbreak

Question

E-coli outbreaks linked to McDonald's first occurred on September 27th. Upon investigation, it was found that the outbreak was not linked to the burgers, but rather the sliced onions on the burgers.

Answer 1

Even though your headline is entirely correct, I will say it is slightly misleading. It makes it sound like McDonalds doesn't have any correlation with the E. Coli outbreak, rather than making it clear that it was the onions and not the beef patties that carry the disease. The NBC News article is commonly a trustworthy site and it claimed that the CDC gave them the information. When going to the CDC website, I got the information right away that confirmed, "a voluntary recall of some onions sent to food service operators," was the issue. (https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html) I think it's important to also include the CDC's website in your claim because it is the website that will give the most accurate information since it is the main source. The NBC News article also mentioned that they got information from FDA which is giving updates as the case continues. The most recent update being from October 25th saying, "FDA is using all available tools to confirm if onions are the source of this outbreak. This includes working with federal and state partners and the companies involved to collect and evaluate records and distribution information as part of our traceback investigation. FDA and state partners are also collecting onion samples for analysis." (https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-mcdonalds-quarter-pounders-october-2024) It's important to look at both sites that the NBC News article references because that's where they are getting all their information. Overall though, you have a good claim and a strong source. I would just make it more clear and include other articles that will help back up your claim even more!