The onions have made their way to stores and food preparation in all 50 states.
More than 400 people in 34 states, and 120 people in Canada, have reported illnesses due to salmonella related to onions distributed to grocery stores, restaurants, and wholesalers in all 50 states as far back as May 1.
The onions below are part of the recall:
- Brand names: Thomson Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, Hartley’s Best, Onions 52, Majestic, Imperial Fresh, Kroger, Utah Onions, and Food Lion.
- Cartons: 5-pound carton, 10-pound carton, 25-pound carton, 40-pound carton, 50-pound carton.
- Bulk mesh sack, 2-pound mesh sacks, 3-pound mesh sacks, 5-pound mesh sacks, and 10-pound mesh sacks, 25-pound mesh sacks, and 50-pound mesh sacks.
According to a statement from Thomson International, 396 total illnesses have been reported to date, including 59 hospitalizations.
States with cases include:
- AK (6)
- AZ (14)
- CA (49)
- CO (10)
- FL (3)
- ID (5)
- IL (10)
- IN (2)
- IA (15)
- KS (1)
- KY (1)
- ME (4)
- MD (1)
- MI (23)
- MN (10)
- MO (6)
- MT (33)
- NE (5)
- NV (5)
- NY (4)
- NC (3)
- ND (5)
- OH (7)
- OR (71)
- PA (2)
- SC (1)
- SD (11)
- TN (5)
- TX (1)
- UT (61)
- VA (4)
- WA (2)
- WI (5)
- WY (11)
It appears to be red onions that are causing the problems, but Thomson International has recalled all of its onions in all stores, as no specific shipments have been identified as the culprit, as well as to address cross-contamination.
“Thomson International is recalling the onions out of an abundance of caution,” the company said in a statement. “As of now no specific source of contamination or contaminated shipment has been identified, and FDA [Food and Drug Administration] is also investigating other potential sources of contamination.”
Some reports have included getting ill from eating products with raw onions made by grocery chains, like sandwiches, salsa, etc.
Officials are saying it's best to avoid any pre-prepared foods from grocery delis, etc., that contain raw onions. In addition, unless you are certain that your onions didn't come from Thomson International, it's best to throw out any that you have on hand at this time.
"Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve red, white, yellow, or sweet onions from Thomson International, Inc. or products containing such onions. If you cannot tell if your onion is from Thomson International Inc., or your food product contains such onions, you should not eat, sell, or serve it, and should throw it out," said Thomson.
In addition, FDA recommends that anyone who received or suspects having received recalled onions use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with recalled products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. This includes cutting boards, slicers, countertops, refrigerators, and storage bins.
"Consumers who have symptoms of Salmonella infection should contact their health care provider. Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal," said the FDA.
