The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating an outbreak of salmonella infections that are linked to onions imported from Mexico. There are hundreds of salmonella illnesses reported across the United States.
According to the CDC Food Safety Alert, more than 650 people have salmonella illnesses, including 129 people who are in the hospital. So far, 37 states are affected by the outbreak, and officials warn that consumers may still have dangerous onions in their homes and restaurants.
Salmonella Outbreak Information
Whole white, yellow, and red onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico seem to be the cause of this salmonella outbreak. ProSource, Inc. indicates that the onions were last imported in August 2021. The onions were distributed to grocery stores and restaurants across the U.S.
They are safe for use up to three months with proper storage, so many consumers may have the potentially dangerous onions in their homes or businesses.
What Consumers Should Do
Do not buy any fresh red, yellow, or white onions that were imported from Chihuahua, Mexico and distributed by ProSource Inc. Check the labels of any onions you purchase, as well as those you already have in your home.
If you have onions from Chihuahua, Mexico, or if they have no labels at all, the CDC recommends not eating them. Throw them out immediately and sanitize any surfaces they are in contact with.
What Businesses Should Do
Check your whole onions for labels that show where they came from. If they were imported from Chihuahua, Mexico and were distributed by ProSource Inc. do not use the onions. Throw them away immediately. Then, sanitize any surfaces or storage areas that the onions may have come in contact with.
Symptoms of Salmonella Illnesses
Anyone who has recently eaten fresh onions that may have come from Chihuahua, Mexico should be aware of the symptoms of salmonella illness. Symptoms of salmonella may start six hours up to six days after exposure.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea for more than three days
- Diarrhea with a fever over 102 degrees
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting without keeping liquids down
- Dehydration (decrease in urine output, dry throat and mouth, dizziness)
Salmonella illnesses generally last 4-7 days. However, young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems may experience more serious symptoms and longer illness. At-risk individuals may also require medical treatment or hospitalization.
Are You Ill Because of a Consumer Product?
You put your trust in the products that you buy. You trust they are safe and will not cause you or your family harm. Unfortunately, sometimes consumer products don’t meet safety and health standards. The result can be massive outbreaks like this one causing salmonella illnesses across the U.S.
If you are ill because of a consumer product you didn’t know was harmful, you can learn more about your rights by contacting Bad Food Recall.
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