An E. coli outbreak linked to onions served on McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers has sickened at least 104 people, with 34 requiring hospitalization, as reported by federal health officials.

The outbreak has been traced to supplier Taylor Farms, which has since removed onion products from its offerings.

States reporting the highest number of cases include Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Missouri, and Utah, among others.

Tragically, one elderly individual from Colorado has died as a result of the infection, underscoring the outbreak's severity.

In response to the outbreak, the FDA is investigating by testing onion and environmental samples from McDonald's stores and distribution centers.

McDonald's has confirmed that the beef used in the Quarter Pounder is not the source of the outbreak, focusing the investigation on the onions.

This incident highlights growing food safety concerns, attributed to lax oversight and cost-cutting measures that have led to increased illness outbreaks.

E. coli infections can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, and the CDC advises those experiencing serious symptoms to seek medical attention.

Several lawsuits, including a proposed class action, have been filed against McDonald's by individuals impacted by the outbreak.

As a precaution, McDonald's has removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in various states, affecting about 900 restaurants across the U.S.

Despite the outbreak, CDC officials have stated that the risk to the public remains low, as the implicated onions are no longer available.

McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski has publicly apologized for the situation, expressing sympathy for those affected and reaffirming the company's commitment to food safety.