Travel-Related Diagnoses Among U.S. Nonmigrant Travelers...
McDonald's E. Coli Outbreak Investigation Reveals New Safety Concerns
Workers at a McDonald's supplier linked to a deadly E. Coli outbreak were not properly washing their hands and failed to sanitize their equipment, a Food and Drug Administration investigation found.
Newsweek has contacted the supplier Taylor Farms for comment via email outside of regular working hours.
Why It MattersJust 10 bacteria per gram of food could cause illness with E. Coli O157, Natalie Stanton, a chartered environmental health officer and founder of The Safety Expert in the United Kingdom, previously told Newsweek. This is compared to some other food poisoning bacteria where thousands or millions were needed to cause symptoms.
A McDonald's restaurant on April 28, 2022 in San Leandro, California. An FDA inspection report found dozens of violations at a supplier to the fast-food chain linked to the outbreak of E. Coli. A McDonald's restaurant on April 28, 2022 in San Leandro, California. An FDA inspection report found dozens of violations at a supplier to the fast-food chain linked to the outbreak of E. Coli. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images What to KnowOne person died and more than 100 people became sick following an outbreak of E. Coli linked to onions served at McDonald's around October 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
An FDA inspection report into a food production facility in Colorado run by Taylor Farms was obtained by CBS News through a Freedom of Information Act request.
The findings reveal several health violations were occurring at the supplier, which provided the fast-food chain with slivered onions, a product that the FDA linked as a potential source of the outbreak.
The slivered onions provided by Taylor Farms were used in McDonald's patties to make its Quarter Pounder burgers.
The violations included large amounts of food debris seen across the facility and food contact surfaces that were visibly not cleaned, even after workers had supposedly tidied their areas.
The report said that the McDonald's supplier workers used hand sanitizer instead of fully washing their hands with soap at sinks. Staff at the supplier also only "sometimes" used hand sanitizer over their gloved hands when handling food that was ready-to-eat (RTE).
An inspection also found examples of uniforms that were contaminated and then touched by workers who handled food products.
The FDA inspection resulted in the agency issuing the McDonald's supplier a Form 483, which lists examples of health violations that inspectors said could be "injurious to health."
Taylor Farms stated it immediately addressed the issues raised in the report, noting that the FDA classified the inspection as not resulting in "administrative or regulatory action" against the company.
McDonald's said in October that it is using an alternative slivered onion supplier for 900 of its restaurants across the country in the wake of the outbreak. Taylor Farms also recalled thousands of cases of ready-to-eat onions from six states following the outbreak.
What People Are SayingFDA officials noted in the inspection report of Taylor Farms' facility: "Production employees handling RTE produce and food contact surfaces were not observed using any of the handwashing sinks in the facility. Employees sometimes used hand sanitizer over their gloved hands only. This is evidenced by a production employee who sanitized his gloved hands only after touching the hose on the floor.
"Production apron parts were observed inside the handwashing sink and commingled with various items at the handwashing station during the inspection. The apron ties were touching the inside and outside of the handwashing sink basin, and the ties were touched by production employees' hands that handle food and food contact surfaces. Employees were observed to only sanitize their gloved hands after touching insanitary surfaces and then resumed touching RTE food and various food contact surfaces. Employees were not observed removing gloves, washing hands, and donning new gloves. According to firm management, it is common practice for employees to only use hand sanitizer stations in the production areas."
McDonald's told Newsweek in a statement: "We hold our suppliers to the highest expectations and standards of food safety. Prior to this inspection, and unrelated to its findings, McDonald's stopped sourcing from Taylor Farms' Colorado Springs facility."
Taylor Farms said in a statement to CBS News: "Taylor Farms is confident in our best-in-class food safety processes and the quality and safety of our products. As is common following an inspection, the FDA issued observations of conditions that could be improved at one of our facilities. This is consistent with the fact that no illnesses or public health threats have been linked to these observations."
What Happens NextMcDonald's is facing several lawsuits from customers who became ill after eating contaminated food at one of its restaurants.
Update, 12/01/2025, 10:22 a.M.: This article has been updated with comment from McDonald's.
Norovirus 2025: Outbreaks Of Stomach Bug Are Surging Across US. Know These Early Signs
Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu, is surging across United States as the new year begins. The highly contagious gastrointestinal virus, which leads to intense bouts of diarrhea and vomiting, is causing a record number of outbreaks for this time of year.
Experts are also warning that a common hygiene practice, using hand sanitizer, isn't effective against the dreaded stomach bug. Instead, it's best to wash your hands properly and often.
According to latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 91 confirmed or suspected norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. During the week ending Dec. 5, more than double the number of outbreaks during the same week over the past three years.
In fact, norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. In early December reached the highest level for this time of year since 2012, CDC data show.
"This year, the number of reported norovirus outbreaks have exceeded the numbers that we've seen recently and in the years before the pandemic," a CDC spokesperson tells TODAY.Com.
Norovirus is technically a group of viruses, which are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, or an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that leads to vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Although its nickname is the "stomach flu," norovirus is not related to influenza viruses, which cause respiratory illness.
Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads through contact with sick people or via contaminated food, drinks or surfaces. Outbreaks are notoriously fast-spreading and tough to control.
In the U.S., norovirus causes an average of 19–21 million illnesses, 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths annually, per the CDC.
Norovirus outbreaks 2025Each year, about 2,500 norovirus outbreaks are reported in the U.S., per the CDC. These can occur throughout the year but are most common between November and April.
"It's also called the winter vomiting disease, which emphasizes the seasonality of norovirus. It can occur during the summer, but it really does increase in the winter," Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, tells TODAY.Com.
It's not surprising to see an uptick in norovirus cases this time of year. However, the latest increase is "quite substantial," says Schaffner. In recent weeks, norovirus has climbed to decade-high levels.
"The total number of outbreaks reported during this 2024–2025 season is above those reported during the same period during 2012–2020 and 2021-2024," the CDC spokesperson says.
Number of Suspected or Confirmed Norovirus Outbreaks Reported by NoroSTAT-Participating States Per Week, 2012–2025CDC From Aug. 1, 2024 to Dec. 11, 2024, there were 495 norovirus outbreaks reported by the 14 states participating in the CDC's NoroSTAT surveillance program. During the same period in 2023, 363 norovirus outbreaks were reported from these states.
Additionally, the percentage of norovirus tests coming back positive is rising. According to data from laboratories across the U.S. Reporting to the CDC, the average norovirus test positivity rate was over 22% for the week ending Dec. 28. During the same week last year, around 12% of norovirus tests were coming back positive.
Wastewater surveillance, which serves as an early warning sign that cases are rising in a community, is also showing a sharp increase.
According to WastewaterSCAN — a program that monitors viruses through municipal water systems led by scientists at Stanford and Emory University — norovirus levels are "high" nationwide, and have been increasing over the past 21 days.
"Norovirus levels are rising all across the country, and in the 'high' category in all regions," Marlene Wolfe, Ph.D., assistant professor at Emory University and principal investigator of WastewaterSCAN, tells TODAY.Com.
"We expect to see norovirus increasing at this time of year, (and) our data do suggest that the current levels are higher than previous years," says Wolfe.
What's more, the dreaded stomach bug is surging on cruises. In December, there were at least six norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships under U.S. Jurisdiction, which sickened nearly 1,000 people total, CDC data show.
Why is norovirus surging?Norovirus outbreaks tend to peak in the U.S. During the cooler winter months, when more people are crowded indoors. The holidays often tend to lead to more transmission, experts say.
"Gathering together, especially this time of the year, and all the traveling we're doing is causing the increase," NBC News medical correspondent Dr. John Torres said in a TODAY segment aired Dec. 31.
The fast-moving virus spreads easily between people, especially in enclosed spaces, says Schaffner. It affects people of all ages.
There are several strains of norovirus that infect humans, but these can mutate rapidly. "Circulating strains change over time, and this can affect disease burden," the CDC spokesperson says.
In years where there is a new strain of the virus, there can be 50% more norovirus illness, according to the CDC.
"I haven't heard anything yet about current strains and whether they're remarkably different than the ones that were causing illness two, three, four years ago — but you have to wonder," says Schaffner.
It isn't clear how the rest of the winter will pan out, Schaffner adds. However, norovirus is expected to keep spreading in the coming months.
"We can't predict the future with wastewater data, but norovirus usually peaks between February and April," says Wolfe. In previous years, significant norovirus activity has continued as late as May.
"The levels of norovirus in wastewater are already quite high — it remains to be seen if we will have an earlier peak this year, or whether these levels will continue to rise," Wolfe adds.
The CDC is continuing to conduct surveillance for outbreaks and monitor norovirus strains, the spokesperson says.
Norovirus symptomsNorovirus symptoms typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus, per the CDC. These are often sudden and "explosive," says Schaffner.
Common norovirus symptoms include:
People often vomit or have diarrhea many times, and these can happen simultaneously, says Schaffner.
Less commonly, people may experience a low-grade fever or chills, fatigue and body aches, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
How long does norovirus last?Norovirus symptoms typically last one to three days, and most people will recover on their own completely. "People get over this after a few days of being miserable," says Schaffner.
Is norovirus deadly?In most cases, norovirus is not life-threatening and deaths are rare, especially in the U.S. However, it can cause severe disease and complications. "The concern is always dehydration because of the fluid loss through vomiting and through diarrhea," says Schaffner.
The people at highest risk of severe illness include young children, older adults, and people who have compromised immune systems or underlying conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, Schaffner notes.
Signs of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth or dizziness, per the Mayo Clinic. Children may cry without tears, have dry lips or sunken eyes, and become fussy or lethargic, TODAY.Com previously reported.
How does norovirus spread?Norovirus spreads between people very easily. "It's an extraordinarily communicable, transmissible virus," says Schaffner.
Once infected, a person can shed billions of norovirus particles in their vomit and stool. "It takes a very small number of (particles) to initiate an infection," says Schaffer. People become infected when these virus particles accidentally end up in their mouths.
Transmission of norovirus may occur through:
Most outbreaks of norovirus happen when infected individuals spread the virus to other people through close contact, per the CDC. Common settings for norovirus outbreaks include schools, day cares, cruise ships, nursing homes and health care facilities.
The virus particles can live for extended periods on surfaces such as doorknobs, toilet handles, sinks and counters, which makes it easy to spread through indirect contact as well.
Norovirus is also the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., per the CDC. "Norovirus can contaminate many foods, particularly foods that aren't cooked," says Schaffner. These include raw shellfish, particularly oysters and clams, which can become contaminated when they filter-feed polluted water, NBC News previously reported.
How long is norovirus contagious?Norovirus is contagious from the moment symptoms begin until at least a few days after symptoms resolve. People infected with norovirus can shed the virus in their stool even after they recover, says Schaffner. It's possible to spread norovirus to others for two weeks or more after you feel better, per the CDC.
These microscopic norovirus particles, invisible to the naked eye, can linger on surfaces and objects for weeks.
What's more, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and cleaners do not work against norovirus. Norovirus particles are especially hardy and difficult to kill thanks to their firm outer shell, says Schaffner. It's important to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or clean with bleach-based solutions instead, per the CDC.
Norovirus immunityInfection with norovirus is thought to provide some immunity, says Schaffner, but it's unclear how long this lasts. It's likely short-lived. There are multiple types of norovirus, so infection with one may not protect against other types, per the CDC. People may be reinfected with norovirus many times in their lives.
Norovirus treatmentThere's no specific antiviral treatment for norovirus, says Schaffner.
Norovirus will typically resolve on its own, but rest and supportive care can help manage symptoms. Rehydration is key, Schaffner notes. Drinking water, sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions can help replenish fluids lost during diarrhea and vomiting.
"Most people recover with home care and many do not need to see a healthcare provider," says Wolfe.
High-risk individuals or people with severe disease may require additional care, such as intravenous fluids, says Schaffner.
If norovirus symptoms become severe, persist or worsen after a few days, or you can't keep fluids down, seek medical attention.
How to prevent norovirusThere is no vaccine available against norovirus, says Schaffner, but research to develop one is ongoing.
In the meantime, you can take the following actions to protect yourself and others against norovirus, according to experts:
Scientists Employ AI To Warn Of Life-threatening Outbreaks Following Natural Disasters: 'Provides ... Crucial Time To Prepare'
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways
Scientists across the world have come together to create an early warning system for diarrheal outbreaks caused by natural disasters like flooding and prolonged drought.
According to a press release from the University of Maryland, the team trained AI-based models that can predict area-level disease burdens weeks to months ahead of an outbreak. Their research is published in Environmental Research Letters.
The study's senior author, Amir Sapkota of UM's School of Public Health, said the advanced warning system "provides public health practitioners crucial time to prepare" so they can be "better prepared to respond when the time comes."
Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mindDiarrheal disease is the third leading cause of death among young children in less developed countries, according to the release. And natural disasters like floods and drought can lead to outbreaks. For instance, one study from the Yale School of Public Health found a link between severe flooding and increased diarrhea risk in children.
The risk of such events continues to increase as our planet warms. In fact, NASA reported the proportion of people across the world living in flood-prone areas has risen by 20-24% since 2000 as rising global temperatures drive extreme rainfall, rising seas, and more intense hurricanes.
The new predictive AI is just one innovative solution that can help us deal with the impacts of worsening weather. For instance, "smart reefs" are being used to help communities respond quickly to extreme weather, while smart sensors can catch forest fires before they even start.
Watch now: How easy is it really to charge an EV?While helping combat diarrheal outbreaks is a good start, "future studies are needed to perform prospective evaluations of such early warning systems in real-world settings," according to the study's abstract.
"Increases in extreme weather events related to climate change will only continue in the foreseeable future," Sapkota said in the university press release. "We must adapt as a society. The early warning systems outlined in this research are a step in that direction to enhance community resilience to the health threats posed by climate change."
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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