Green onions not to blame

Posted by Judy Arbique Dec 17, 2006

It appears that green onions are not to blame for the outbreak of E. coli 0157 that was responsible for closures of a number of Taco Bell restaurants in New York, Philadelphia and New Jersey. Although a sample of chopped onions from a Taco Bell store in Nassau County, New York tested positive for E. coli 0157, molecular testing has confirmed that this strain is different from the outbreak strain. Subsequent testing of green onions used in Taco Bell restaurants tested negative for E. coli 0157.

To date, the source of illness has not been determined, but it is now believed that the most likely source was shredded lettuce. Investigation is ongoing.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention