People working inside the food industry make sure to take precautions to ensure the product is edible to the consumers. Why do they take precautions? To prevent food borne illness that comes from eating contaminated food. Even with food safety, does it really prevent pathogens from contaminating and reduce the risk of food borne illness like E coli, Salmonella or even Listeria?
On October 25 2024, Taylor farms issued a message recalling yellow onions from their Taylor Farms Colorado due to the recent outbreak of E. coli found in their yellow onions. McDonalds locations, who get their onion supply from Taylor farms issued an update to its consumers about E. coli being traced in their food products. North America Chief supply chain officer, Cesar Pina, denied any connections to the E. coli being in Quarter Pounder beef patties, also the slivered onions being taken off the toppings selection for burgers until the E. coli outbreak is solved. But, what about the voice of the public?
“Taylor Farms Colorado should’ve checked their quality of the severed onions they provided to McDonalds before they gave it to McDonalds. If onions aren’t able to undergo the ‘kill step’ it will be dangerous as it will still contain the harmful bacteria.” stated freshman Shia Chavez Bertoglio.
There are many types of E. coli, which is mostly harmless bacteria that live in the intestines of people and animals which contribute to intestinal health. Some, like Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause infection which could lead to life-threatening conditions to the kidney.
“It’s very concerning that a big fast food chain restaurant, with many safety hand guides on how to cook their food at the right temperature is experiencing E coli in their onions. Accountability should be taken, Taylor farms should’ve checked thoroughly before packaging their products,” stated freshman Joshua Vasquez.
Factory farms, like Taylor Farms can contaminate their harvest with pathogen(s) due to the close proximity of animal manure caused by nearby livestock facilities. The animal manure can drift with dust into irrigation waterways, which is sprayed onto crops.
“FDA, being here for over 118 years, was constructed June 30,1906. Pathogens still being found in crops which are sold to consumers which can lead them from getting sick, for younger people can increase risk of death. The FDA should come up with solutions to prevent any incidents like the E. coli outbreak from ever happening in restaurants,” stated junior Zack Cossr.
Over the years, progress in food safety has been improving to ensure proper healthy foods. Factors such as handling, contamination during processing, and lapses in inspection can still lead to widespread outbreaks. Nonetheless, even with the FDA, CFSAN (Center for Food safety and Applied Nutrition) administrations that protect products from outbreaks of deadly pathogens, there must be a strong enforcement for better agriculture techniques, public awareness, and more administration precautions to protect consumers and reduce the impact of these dangerous pathogens on public health.
