USA- The CDC reported Friday that they believe a recent outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections is linked to red onions sold from Thomson International, Inc., based in Bakersfield, California.
The first cases were reported on July 10 in three states and as of the newest update, 34 different states have reported cases. So far, 396 people have been infected with salmonella, and 59 are hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
The onions were distributed to wholesalers, restaurants, and retail stores across the country and in Canada. They were also distributed in mesh sacks and cartons under the names TII Premium, El Competitor, Hartley, Onions 52, Imperial Fresh, Utah Onions, and Food Lion.
Although red onions have been identified as the likely source, other types of onions may be contaminated due to the way onions are grown and harvested. Thomson has recalled all red, yellow, white, and sweet onions that were shipped since May 1 because of the risk of contamination.
Health officials are recommending that consumers throw away any onions supplied by Thomson, or if you are unable to determine where your onions are from, don’t eat, serve, or sell them or any food prepared with them.
If any surfaces may have come into contact with the onions or their packaging, make sure to wash and sanitize all surfaces such as countertops, refrigerator drawers, knives, and cutting boards.
When you eat out or shop for food, check with restaurants and grocery stores to make sure they are not serving or selling onions from Thomson International Inc., or fresh foods prepared with them.
- If they don’t know where their onions are from, don’t buy the product.
- People sickened in this outbreak reported eating raw onions in freshly prepared foods, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, salsas, and dips.
CDC advises people to take action if they have symptoms of a Salmonella infection:
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps that begin six hours to six days after being exposed to the bacteria. Those who are severely ill may also experience a high fever, headaches, or a rash.
- Talk to your healthcare provider.
- Write down what you ate in the week before you started to get sick.
- Report your illness to the health department. The health department will likely call you for an interview to ask you about the foods you ate in the week before you got sick.
- Assist public health investigators by answering questions about your illness. This information could help identify the source of the outbreak and prevent other people from getting sick.
The Salmonella Newport infection can persist for four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.
In some people, the illness may be more severe and could cause hospitalization. Children, older adults, and people with weaker immune systems are most at risk to develop severe illness.
This investigation is ongoing. CDC will provide more information as it becomes available.
Check labels on all onions, toss if needed, and make sure to wipe down surfaces that came into contact with the possibly contaminated onions.
