A widespread salmonella outbreak has afflicted a minimum of 73 individuals across 22 states, resulting in 15 hospitalizations, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC has declared a food safety alert associated with specific diced onion products from Gills Onions, which have been linked to the outbreak. Subsequently, the company has initiated a voluntary recall. Individuals are strongly advised against consuming or serving any of the recalled onions or food items containing them.
The affected products include certain batches of diced yellow onions (available in 3-pound bags and 8-ounce cups), diced celery and onions (8-ounce cups), diced mirepoix (10-ounce cups), and diced red onions (8-ounce cups). These products bore use-by dates ranging from August 8 to August 28 and are no longer available for purchase in stores.
However, the CDC recommends that consumers inspect their freezers and refrigerators for any of these recalled products to ensure their disposal or return. Furthermore, any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled onion products should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
The Gills Onions products subject to the recall were distributed in retail stores and supplied to restaurants and institutions in both the United States and Canada. Notably, one subcluster of infections was identified within a long-term care facility.