SALMONELLA outbreak in various states prompts RECALL of diced onion products

10/31/2023 / By Olivia Cook

An outbreak of salmonellosis – infection caused by the food-borne Salmonella pathogen – in more than 20 states has prompted a recall of onion products from Oxnard, California-based Gills Onions.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Gills’ voluntary recall of affected products in an Oct. 23 statement. The following products with used-by dates ranging between Aug. 11, 2023 and Aug. 28, 2023 were included in the recall:

Diced yellow onions, three-ounce (oz) bags
Diced yellow onions, 8-oz cups
Diced celery and onions, 8-oz cups
Diced mirepoix (a mix of carrots, celery and onions), 10-oz cups
Diced red onions, 8-oz cups

The aforementioned products were sold at retailers in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Aside from these, they were also sold to food service providers, restaurants and other institutions in the U.S. and Canada.

Health officials said on Oct. 24 that at least 73 people in 22 states had become ill, with 15 of these 73 requiring hospitalization. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched an investigation on the outbreak. While the investigation is still ongoing, the agency cautioned that the salmonella outbreak may be larger than the number of reported cases.

Nevertheless, CDC and FDA officials are looking into the outbreak to determine its source and whether additional products are linked to reported salmonella poisoning incidents.

While the affected lots are no longer being sold in retail outlets, consumers are still advised to check their freezers and refrigerators for any of these products so they can be disposed of or returned. Any items or surfaces that may have touched the recalled onion products should be thoroughly washed and sanitized with hot soapy water. (Related: Several lots of frozen corn and mixed vegetable products voluntarily recalled for possible listeria contamination.)

What are the dangers that come with salmonellosis?

Symptoms of salmonellosis usually occur within six hours to three days after consuming food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Such symptoms include:

Abdominal or stomach cramps
Chills and fever
Frequent episodes of diarrhea, with or without nausea and vomiting
Visible bile, blood or mucus in the stool or vomit

Children younger than five years old, elderly people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for salmonella infection and may experience more severe symptoms that may require emergency medical treatment or hospitalization.

Most healthy people recover within a few days to a week without any specific treatment.

At-home remedies should focus on replacing fluids and electrolytes lost during vomiting and diarrhea to prevent dehydration and consuming bland and easy-to-digest foods that are gentle on the stomach.

It is also essential to transition back to a regular healthy diet regimen once diarrhea has improved.

Infants and children who have become dehydrated from fever, diarrhea or vomiting may be given oral rehydration salt solutions that you can buy over-the-counter without prescription.

Proper food handling can help prevent Salmonella and other pathogens from proliferating and contaminating food. Here are some tips to follow:

Be mindful that meat, fruits and vegetables are bagged separately when doing groceries.
Separate raw foods, frozen foods that are thawing well, foods to be eaten and those that require no cooking when stored in the refrigerator.
Thaw frozen meat using water inside the refrigerator or use a microwave. Clean meat with salt and refrigerate immediately.
Exercise caution when handling raw food to prevent contamination – keep the cooking area clean; use separate chopping boards for meat and vegetables and wash all utensils thoroughly with hot soapy water.
Cook foods completely.
Keep leftovers inside the refrigerator within two hours after cooking.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and use clean towels to wipe hands.
Keep your fingernails short and clean.
Seek immediate emergency medical care if anyone in your household is experiencing severe symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea or diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving, chills with high fever, frequent vomiting and severe dehydration.

Visit Outbreak.news for more stories about outbreaks caused by Salmonella and other food-borne pathogens.

Watch this video about the salmonellosis outbreak linked to Gills Onions products.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.