In the fast-paced world of fast food, health and safety are paramount. Recently, McDonald’s has been at the center of an alarming E. coli outbreak linked to their popular Quarter Pounders. With at least 75 reported cases across 13 states, including serious hospitalization and even a death, many consumers are understandably concerned. Let’s break down the situation, what officials are saying, and how McDonald’s is responding to the crisis.

The Details of the Outbreak

Reports have confirmed that this E. coli outbreak is associated with Quarter Pounders sold across various McDonald’s locations. As of now, Colorado and Montana have recorded the highest number of illnesses, causing health officials to raise the alarm. The symptoms of E. coli infection can be severe and include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, which can lead to life-threatening complications, especially in vulnerable populations.

Possible Cause: Onions?

Amidst this distressing news, McDonald’s has identified a potential link to onions used in their Quarter Pounder recipe. While investigations are ongoing, the company is taking proactive measures by gradually reintroducing the Quarter Pounder to their menu without the traditional onions. This decision reflects their commitment to ensuring customer safety while addressing supply issues that may have arisen from the outbreak.

McDonald’s Response

In light of the ongoing investigation, McDonald’s has expressed its dedication to maintaining high food safety standards. They have collaborated closely with health officials, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to trace the source of the contamination and prevent further incidents.

As they navigate this situation, the fast-food giant is emphasizing transparency with their customers. They have urged people to stay informed through official communication channels and monitor updates about the progress of the outbreak and safety measures being undertaken.

Consumer Safety: What Can You Do?

As the situation unfolds, it is essential for consumers to remain vigilant about their food choices:

1. Stay Updated: Follow news reports and health advisories to keep track of the latest developments regarding this outbreak and any additional safety alerts.
2. Practice Good Hygiene: Always wash your hands before eating, and keep an eye on cleanliness when dining out.
3. Consider Menu Options: If you’re concerned about the outbreak, consider ordering items that do not contain ingredients linked to health risks or opt for menu items that have been specifically noted as safe.
4. Know the Symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the signs of E. coli infection, and if you or someone you know experiences severe symptoms following a visit to McDonald’s, seek medical attention immediately.

The recent E. coli outbreak tied to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has undoubtedly raised concerns among consumers, but the company is actively working to address the situation and safeguard the health of its patrons. While it’s human nature to worry about food safety, especially with such a concerning issue at hand, it’s also important to empower ourselves with knowledge and the right precautions.

As McDonald’s rolls out their menu changes, we hope that they can swiftly resolve this situation, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their meals with renewed confidence. Let’s all take a moment to prioritize food safety in our daily dining habits, and keep the conversation going around this crucial topic. Always stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy your meals wisely!

Read the release from McDonald’s corporate news site https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/always-putting-food-safety-first.html

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At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

We present two recipes for tomato soup, one quick recipe and one for the slow cooker. There are two choices for a delicious time at the dining table.

Savory Tomato Soup: A Simple Recipe!

Ingredients:

• Crushed Tomatoes
• Onions
• Butter or Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Vegetable Broth

Cook the onions in the butter

• If you prefer vegan, use oil instead.
• Don’t brown the onions
• Wait until bubbles form

Add the garlic and tomatoes

• Add garlic first
• Soften it a bit
• Then add a can of crushed tomatoes

Add the vegetable broth

• Leave the pot uncovered
• Cook for 30 minutes
• Use a blender to make it smooth

Slow Cooker Recipe

Ingredients:

-2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
-1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
-1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable broth
-1/2 cup diced onion
-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon dried basil
-1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
-1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Combine the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, vegetable broth, onion, garlic powder, basil, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
3. Once the soup is cooked, stir in the heavy cream.
4. Serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
5. Check out these recipes for Savory Tomato Soup:
6. https://www.food.com/recipe/savoury-tomato-soup-414409
7. https://www.thissavoryvegan.com/roasted-garlic-tomato-soup/

For more recipes and information on Food and Drinks, visit https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/recipes/ for the latest articles.

Butterball’s new offering makes it easy for holiday hosts to confidently serve the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece

GARNER, N.C., Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Butterball, LLC introduced the Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey, an innovative offering for seasoned and novice Thanksgiving hosts alike. Created with convenience in mind, the new Cook from Frozen turkey requires just two easy steps: unwrap and roast. There’s no thawing, no mess and no stress, resulting in an effortless Thanksgiving centerpiece.

The most popular questions received by the Butterball® Turkey Talk-Line® are consistently about how and when to thaw a turkey. As a solve, Butterball’s Cook from Frozen requires no preparation; the turkey goes straight from the freezer to oven without days of thawing in the refrigerator. In addition, there are no neck or giblets to remove, so there are fewer steps to follow and less mess to manage in the kitchen.

“Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or the fifteenth time, preparing the turkey can be intimidating,” said Michelle Lieszkovszky, head of innovation at Butterball. “That’s why we are so excited to introduce Cook from Frozen. It addresses both the fears and frustrations of cooking a whole turkey – it’s not only simple to roast, but the result delivers a tender, juicy, golden-brown centerpiece. Hosts get all the glory whether they are experienced or not.”

Lieszkovszky also noted that the convenience of Cook from Frozen allows hosts to focus on spending quality time with loved ones.

“At Butterball, inspiring togetherness is at the core of what we do. Cook from Frozen allows hosts to focus on other aspects of the celebration, like enjoying time with loved ones,” said Lieszkovszky. “This holiday season, let Butterball take care of the turkey while you make the memories.”

Cook from Frozen turkeys do not require basting, brining or seasoning. A specially-formulated brine ensures that the turkey remains moist throughout the roasting process, resulting in the same delicious, flavorful turkey that Butterball has brought to family tables for over 70 years— but now it only takes two simple steps.

Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey is available at Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods and Publix stores. The new offering can also be purchased at select Kroger and Kroger banner locations (such as Fred Meyer, Fry’s and Ralph’s) as well as select Walmart locations. Find your nearest retailer offering Cook from Frozen using Butterball’s product locator. 

For more information, visit www.Butterball.com or call the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line at 1-800-BUTTERBALL.

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About Butterball

Butterball, LLC, headquartered in Garner, North Carolina, is the best known and most loved* brand of turkey in the U.S. Bringing people together over wholesome homemade meals for more than 60 years, the company provides retail and foodservice products to customers in more than 30 countries. Butterball is committed to being an industry leader in quality, food safety and animal care and well-being, and was the first major turkey company to voluntarily achieve certification through American Humane. The company employs over 6,500 team members who work in production facilities, live operations and offices across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and North Carolina. For consumer questions or information, visit Butterball.com or call the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line®, 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372).

SOURCE Butterball, LLC

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.