Onion Recall: FDA, CDC Launch Investigation Into Salmonella Outbreak Ahead Of Thanksgiving Holiday

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other officials have launched an investigation into the multistate salmonella outbreak.

Last week, Potandon Produce L.L.C. expanded its voluntary recall of whole onions that were sold as Green Giant Fresh and supplied by the Keeler Family Farms.

The latest recall warns against 2 lb. bags of whole white onions and 3lb. and 5lb. bags of whole yellow onions sold under the brand and shipped from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico between July 15 and Aug. 22 that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Previous recalls also include meal kits from EveryPlate and HelloFresh, which could be contaminated due to recalled onions potentially packaged as ingredients.

So far, there have been 892 illnesses reported in 38 states and Puerto Rico. The investigation is expected to determine what led to the salmonella contamination and if there are additional items that were impacted by the infection.

The organism can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain in healthy people. However, elderly or frail people, those with weakened immune systems, and young children could experience severe and sometimes fatal infections.

Salmonella symptoms typically start anywhere between six hours to six days after the bacteria has been swallowed. Many people can recover from a salmonella infection after 4 to 7 days without treatment.

The FDA advises anyone who possesses the recalled onions to throw them out and use caution while cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces the onions may have touched to decrease the risk of cross-contamination.

“Check to see if you have any recalled onions. If you have any recalled onions or if you can’t tell where your onions are from, don’t eat them. Throw them away,” the CDC advised.

The investigation remains ongoing, however, additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.