Onions linked to salmonella outbreaks in 37 states have been recalled

 

FDA recalled onions: Onions linked to salmonella outbreaks in 37 states have been recalled for possible contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded its onion recall Monday, adding the products to the list of onions linked to the salmonella outbreak that has infected at least 892 people.

Although a salmonella outbreak was first reported in mid-September, the Food and Drug Administration did not link the epidemic to onions until October. According to the CDC, all infected onions were imported from Mexico from July 1 to August 31 and were supplied by Prosource Produce and Keeler Family Farms. Onions are already distributed to wholesalers, restaurants, and retail stores.

As of Tuesday, salmonella outbreaks have led to at least 183 admissions in 38 states and Puerto Rico, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency said an investigation was underway.

The recalls announced Monday include onions from Alsum Farms & Produce delivered to select retailers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania and some onions that were supplied from Keeler Family Farms and sold as Green Giant Fresh onions in Illinois. Returns do not affect any canned or frozen vegan products from Green Giant.

What is an onion called?

The CDC said all contaminated onions were imported from Chihuahua, Mexico. The FDA recall includes:

Some onions (red, yellow, and white) from Keeler Family Farms dispensed in 25-pound, and 50-pound mesh bags labeled MVP.

► Some of the raw, red, yellow, and white ProSource Produce onions are distributed in mesh bags and cans of various sizes under a variety of brand names, including Big Bull, Peak Fresh Produce, Sierra Madre, Markon First Crop, Markon Essentials, Rio Blue, ProSource and Rio Valley and Sysco Imperial.

Onions were received in meal kits from EveryPlate and HelloFresh from July 7 through September 8.

► Some fresh giant yellow whole scallions in 2-pound bags, 3-pound bags, and 5-pound bags; whole white onions in 2-pound bags; and whole red onions in 2-pound bags from ProSource Produce with UPCs 60580600120-8, 60580600123-9, 60580600170-3, 60580600218-2 and 60580600248-9.

► Some Pier-C products produce 2-pound whole white onions from Keeler family farms with UPC 03338360051-2.

► Some Poison farms produce fresh, whole yellow onions in 3lb bags, 5lb bags, and 50lb cartons; fresh whole white onions in 2-pound bags; Fresh Whole Red Onions in 2-pound bags from Keeler Family Farms.

Are onions safe to eat?

Returned or returned products should be discarded, according to the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC.

"If you can't tell where an onion comes from, don't buy it or eat it," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. "Wash surfaces and bowls that the onions may have touched using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher."

Onions can be contaminated with salmonella, which can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain among otherwise healthy people. The bacteria can lead to severe and sometimes fatal infections in young children or the elderly. According to the Food and Drug Administration, rare cases can lead to more severe diseases like aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.

According to the CDC, symptoms usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after eating onions because of the bacteria, and most people recover without treatment after four to seven days.