Evidence does not point to ground beef as the probable source of an E. coli outbreak linked with McDonald’s quarter pounders, according to the USDA.
The fast food giant is resuming quarter-pounder sales in all restaurants this week.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture also announced that all beef patties from associated restaurants were negative for E. coli.
McDonald’s says that it was confident in ruling out the beef patties as a source of contamination based on findings and data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dozens of customers reported eating quarter pounders before becoming sick with an E. coli infection.
The E. coli outbreak has led to at least 75 reported illnesses across 13 states, including 22 hospitalizations and one death. Most of the illnesses being in Colorado.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that slivered onions are the most likely source of contamination. The supplier of the suspected source, Taylor Farms Colorado, removed yellow onions from the market.
McDonald's has apologized to the affected customers and says they are committed to making this right.
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