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U.S. stores recall onions over fears of contamination amid an outbreak of salmonella that has left more than 600 people sick.
On August 1, Thomson International recalled its red, yellow, and white onions that had been shipped across all 50 U.S. states and Canada since May 1st.
Salmonella cases have been reported in 43 states like Canada.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and cramps. Children and the elderly are more envious of serious illness.
Infected onions may have been sold to wholesalers, restaurants, and retail stores, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They were sold under a number of brands as in loose containers at groceries.
U.S. stores including Walmart, Kroger, Food Lion, Publix, and Giant Eagle have evoked memories of onions or prepared food products – such as salads and deli items – that may contain the affected shipments. On Monday, the stores of Trader Joe’s and Ralph on the West Coast also began to remember onions.
Canadian health officials have confirmed more than 200 Salmonella cases linked to imported US onions. Canadian grown onions are not affected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 85 Americans have been hospitalized since August 7 for a salmonella infection. Salmonella symptoms typically appear between six hours to six days after exposure.
Most people will recover in four to seven days without treatment, although in some severe cases, the bacteria can spread from the gut to other parts of the body.
“Children under the age of five, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a serious illness,” the CDC said.
The FDA, CDC and Public Health Agency of Canada have launched an investigation into the outbreak.
Health officials have advised consumers to discard onions or products containing onions if their origin is uncertain. Even cooked food is a risk because the bacteria can spread to surfaces other than items in the kitchen.
The FDA advises consumers to sanitize any surfaces that may be in contact with recalled onions, such as refrigerators, storage trays or cutting boards.
