The FDA is investigating a new outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 infections.
So far there are nine confirmed patients, but the Food and Drug Administration has not reported how old they are or where they live. The agency has not yet determined the source of the pathogen.
The investigation is in early stages, so the FDA has not yet begun product traceback, onsite inspections or testing.
In other outbreak news, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections traced to raw onions used on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers.
As of Oct. 30 there were 90 confirmed patients, up from 59 a week ago. One patient has died. Of 62 patients interviewed so far, all 62 reported eating at McDonald’s before becoming ill. The patients are spread across 13 states. The CDC reports that more patients are likely to be identified.
The source of the E. coli has been determined to be slivered onions from Taylor Farms in Salinas, CA. The FDA is continuing to inspect the company’s processing facility in Colorado and is looking into an onion growing operation in Washington.
McDonald’s stopped selling Quarter Pounder hamburgers for a while in some states, but has since begun reintroducing the burgers. Taylor Farms recalled diced and whole peeled onions from distributors.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined that the beef patties used for the hamburgers were not the source of the E. coli.
Also under investigation is an outbreak of Salmonella infections. The number of confirmed patients has increased to 27, up from 25 a week ago. The FDA has begun product traceback but has not reported what food it is tracing. The source of the pathogen remains unknown.
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