TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – McDonald’s diners in Taiwan do not have to fear the E. coli outbreak which killed one and poisoned 49 in the United States because the ingredients come from different sources, reports said Wednesday (Oct. 23).
The bacteria was found in some Quarter Pounder hamburgers across 10 states. While the origin of the bacteria had not yet been found, suspicion reportedly focused on onions and beef.
McDonald’s Taiwan on Wednesday emphasized that the risk of E. coli at its outlets was minimal because the ingredients were sourced from different locations than at the US restaurants. The onions used in Taiwan’s Quarter Pounders are imported from New Zealand, while the beef originates in Paraguay, New Zealand, or Australia, per CNA.
According to independent investigations conducted by suppliers, the items shipped to Taiwan met required safety standards, so McDonald’s customers did not need worry, the company said.
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said it would investigate whether or not ingredients involved in the E. coli outbreak are being imported into the country. The bacteria is unlikely to survive when food is cooked for at least one minute at a minimum temperature of 75 C, the CDC said.