Onions Identified as Source of Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak

 Posted on August 06, 2020 in Salmonella

Thomson International, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of its red, white, yellow, and sweet yellow onions due to a salmonella outbreak that has spread across 34 states. There have been 396 confirmed cases of salmonella, including 10 in Illinois, and 59 reported hospitalizations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating the multi-state outbreak of a strain called Salmonella Newport, with illnesses starting as early as June 19. It traced back the illness to red onions sold by Thomson International, who issued the recall on Aug. 1. The FDA has not yet ruled out whether the contaminated onions could be coming from more than one supplier.

Details About the Recall

Though the FDA believes that red onions were the source of the salmonella, the recall includes all varieties of Thomson International’s onions because of the risk of cross-contamination. Thomson International distributes its onions to retailers, restaurants, and wholesalers in all 50 states and has several different labels, including:

• El Competitor
• Hartley’s Best
• Food Lion
• Imperial Fresh
• Majestic
• Kroger
• Onions 52
• Tender Loving Care
• Thomson Premium
• TLC Thomson International
• Utah Onions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises anyone who believes they have purchased a carton or sack of the contaminated onions to throw it out immediately, sanitize any surfaces that the onions may have contacted, and dispose of any other foods that the onions may have contaminated. To prevent infection from onions used in restaurants, you should ask the preparer where the onions came from. If you cannot confirm whether the onions have been recalled, it is advised that you do not eat them.

Dangers of Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. The symptoms can take six hours to six days to appear and usually last four-to-seven days. The CDC estimates that there are about 1.35 million salmonella infections in the U.S. each year, though hospitalizations are uncommon. People younger than 5, older than 65, or with weakened immune systems are most likely to become seriously ill. If you are experiencing symptoms that may be food poisoning, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Contact an Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney

The CDC states that there may still be more salmonella cases connected to the contaminated onions that have not been reported. If you believe you may have suffered a recent bout of food poisoning caused by contaminated onions or any other product, you need to talk to an Illinois food-borne illness lawyer at Newland & Newland, LLP. We can help you identify the source of your illness and receive compensation. To schedule a free consultation, call 312-981-0409.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/newport-07-20/index.html

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-newport-red-onions-july-2020