Potentially contaminated red onions appear to be the cause of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened people in 47 states, and causing some to need to be hospitalized. “Although the investigation has determined that red onions are the likely source of this outbreak”, Bakersfield California-based Thomson International, Inc. has notified the FDA that it is recalling all varieties of onions (that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions), due to the risk of cross-contamination”. The first cases were reported between June 19 and July 11
The onion recall will include red, white, yellow and sweet onions from Thomson International.
Recalled onion types include: red, white, yellow, and sweet yellow varieties. Some foods made with recalled onions include: cheese dips and spreads, salsas, and chicken salads.
Signs of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps between six hours and six days after exposure to the bacteria. People are usually sick for between 4 and 7 days. Those under age 5, those over 65…..and people with weakened immune systems, are more likely to experience severe illness.
In some cases, the infection can spread from the intestines to other parts of the body and require hospitalization.
The CDC is urging anyone with symptoms of salmonella poisoning to contact a doctor, write down what they ate the week before they became sick, report the illness to the health department and communicate with health investigators about their illness.
