On October 25, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert for a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to diced onion products from Gills Onions. The outbreak has led to at least 73 reported illnesses spanning 22 states, with 15 people being hospitalized.
The CDC’s investigation has pinpointed certain diced onion products from Gills Onions as the primary source of this outbreak. Consequently, Gills Onions has issued a voluntary recall of these items. The affected products encompass specific lots of diced yellow onions available in 3-pound bags and 8-ounce cups, with the data range between August 8 to August 28, 2023.
While these products are no longer available on store shelves, they might still be present in consumers’ homes. As a preventive measure, if you have these products in your home, the CDC advises you to inspect your refrigerators and freezers. Any products that match the recall specifications should either be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.
Moreover, the CDC recommends thorough cleaning and sanitization of any surfaces or items that might have come into contact with the recalled onion products.
Gills Onions’ products, including the recalled items, were not only distributed to various stores but were also supplied to restaurants and institutions across the US and Canada. In one identified subcluster, the affected product was traced back to a long-term care facility. Interestingly, 14 of the 19 infected people reported eating onions or consuming diced onions. A notable six of these individuals resided in long-term care facilities that received Gills Onions’ supplies.
The CDC’s investigation is still ongoing, and while the reported cases are already alarming, the agency has warned that the real number of affected people might be much higher than what is currently documented.
Salmonella infection, commonly resulting from consuming contaminated food, manifests with symptoms that include fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. These symptoms can manifest within hours or a few days post-consumption of the tainted food. While most people recover with appropriate treatment, some cases can become severe. It’s crucial for those exhibiting intense symptoms, symptoms lasting more than a few days, or signs of dehydration to promptly seek medical care. Vulnerable groups such as seniors, children below five years, and people with compromised immune systems are at an elevated risk of experiencing severe symptoms from the infection. Given the severity of the situation and the widespread distribution of the contaminated products, the public is urged to act with caution. Regular updates from the CDC and relevant authorities are anticipated as the investigation progresses.