NEW DELHI: An outbreak of salmonella poisoning, associated with the consumption of pre-packaged, precut onions, has affected a minimum of 73 individuals across 22 US states. Of those afflicted, 15 have required hospitalization, according to information from US health officials on Tuesday, reported by the Associated Press.
Gills Onions, based in Oxnard, California, has issued a recall for various products, including diced yellow onions, red onions, a combination of onions and celery, and a blend referred to as mirepoix, containing onions, celery, and carrots.The affected products bear use-by dates in August 2023 and are no longer available for purchase in retail outlets. However, there is a possibility that consumers still possess these items in their freezers or have used them as ingredients in prepared dishes. Health authorities strongly advise against consuming, selling, or serving any of these onion products or any food items prepared with them.
The diced onions were distributed to food establishments in the US and Canada, as well as sold by retailers in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, including Stater Bros., Bashas’ markets, Smart & Final stores, and Chef’s Store. Salmonella poisoning can lead to severe illness, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, typically causing symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 12 hours to three days of consuming contaminated food.
Officials with the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating the outbreak to determine the source and whether additional products are tied to illnesses.