The FDA, CDC, along with state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis illnesses likely linked to salads from McDonald's restaurants in 10 states.
Out of an abundance of caution, a week ago we voluntarily stopped selling salads at impacted restaurants and have switched to another lettuce blend supplier. We have removed existing lettuce blend from identified restaurants and distribution centers – which includes approximately 3,000 of our U.S. restaurants primarily located in the Midwest. Of the 3,000 restaurants, at least one is located in the following states: IL, IA, IN, WI, MI, OH, MN, NE, SD, MT, ND, KY, WV, and MO.
McDonald’s is committed to the highest standards of food safety and quality control. We are closely monitoring this situation and cooperating with state and federal public health authorities as they further investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is McDonald’s currently serving salads?
A: Certain restaurants in 14 states, mostly in the Midwest, were affected by this voluntary withdrawal, as those restaurants received lettuce blend supply from one supplier. Affected restaurants have now received, or will very shortly receive, an alternative supply of lettuce blend. Other McDonald’s restaurants have continued to serve salads without interruption.
Q: Are salads currently being sold safe to eat?
A: As affected restaurants have now received, or will very shortly receive, an alternative supply of lettuce blend, the salads are deemed safe to consume.
Q: What should I do if I am concerned about getting sick?
A: Information about Cyclosporiasis can be found on the Center for Disease Control web site, and additional information regarding this ongoing current event can be found on the
Illinois or
Iowa Department of Public Health websites, or by visiting the
FDA or
CDC pages about this event.
Q: What actions did McDonald’s take, when notified?
A: We took immediate action in an abundance of caution. We proactively stopped serving salads in the affected geographic areas until we can switch our lettuce blend supply to another supplier. All existing salads in those affected restaurants and distribution centers are in the process of being removed.
Q: Which McDonald’s menu items were impacted by this precautionary voluntary action?
A: Only salads (not any sandwiches or other menu products) served in certain restaurants in the following states only:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Q: What is McDonald’s doing to ensure food safety?
A: McDonald’s food safety standards are among the highest in the industry. We are cooperating with federal and state health authorities as they investigate this issue further.
Q: Where can I get more information about this issue?
A: Information about Cyclosporiasis can be found on the Center for Disease Control web site. Specific information regarding this current event can be found on the
Illinois or
Iowa Department of Public Health websites, or by visiting the
FDA or
CDC pages about this event.
