Onions Linked to Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked 808 cases of Salmonella Orienburg to contaminated onions in an ongoing Salmonella outbreak. The agency released an update adding 156 more confirmed cases last Thursday. This brings the total case count to 808, including 157 hospitalizations. 37 states and Puerto Rico confirm outbreak cases. In addition, Texas reports the most cases, with 185 confirmed.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified ProSource Products, LLC and Keeler Family Farms as suppliers of the contaminated onions involved in the Salmonella outbreak. Two ongoing recalls resulted from the identification. On October 20, ProSource Produce recalled red, yellow, and white whole fresh onions. The onions, imported from Mexico, have import dates between July 1 and August 31 and a label reading “MVP (product of MX).” On October 22, Keeler Family Farms issued a recall of onions with the same label. These onions have import dates between July 1 and August 25.
During the Salmonella outbreak investigation, the CDC identified 20 illness clusters at restaurants where onions were served. Many ill people reported eating dishes including onions. A traceback investigation conducted by the FDA identified ProSource Inc. as a supplier of onions for many of the restaurants with illness clusters. As a result, the CDC recommends that businesses not sell or serve recalled onions. Further, the CDC recommends businesses check storage coolers for the recalled onions.
Additionally, the CDC recommends consumers check to see if they have any of the contaminated onions linked to the Salmonella outbreak. Specifically, the agency states “if you have any recalled onions or if you can’t tell where your onions are from, don’t eat them. Throw them away.”
About Salmonella Infections
The most common symptoms of a Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Other symptoms some may experience include a headache, nausea, or vomiting. Symptoms typically start anywhere between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure. These symptoms usually last between 4 and 7 days.
The CDC recommends contacting a doctor in certain situations. First, diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees requires medical attention. You should also seek medical attention for diarrhea lasting more than 3 days that is not improving. Bloody stools also require prompt medical attention. This is also true in the case of continued vomiting that keeps you from keeping liquids down. Finally, you should call your doctor if you have signs of dehydration. These include making very little urine (peeing infrequently), dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up.