Gills onions recalled due to multi-state salmonella outbreak

• Gills onions recalled due to salmonella outbreak.
• Cases have been reported in several states.
• Bags of diced onions are being blamed.

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert regarding packaged diced onions.

The alert came in response to an outbreak of salmonella infections spanning multiple states.

It’s believed source is packages of Gills onions.

Based on interviews with those affected, processed onions from Gills Onions are suspected to be the source of the infections.

More than 70 cases in 22 states

The outbreak has affected 73 individuals across 22 states, resulting in 15 hospitalizations. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities reported.

Of the 19 people interviewed, 14 stated they had consumed diced onions.

Reports indicate that six individuals resided in long-term care facilities where this product was served.

As a precaution, Gills Onions has issued a recall for certain batches of fresh chopped onion products, with a ‘best before’ date of August 2023.

The recalled products

The CDC reports that the recall includes chopped yellow onions in 3-pound bags and 8-ounce cups.

Additionally, diced celery and onion mix in 8-ounce cups, diced mirepoix in 10-ounce cups, and chopped red onions in 8-ounce cups are also included in the recall.

Mirepoix is a combination of various vegetables cut into small cubes, commonly used to flavor sauces, roasts, broths and soups.

The recalled onions were distributed to stores, as well as shipped to restaurants and institutions throughout the United States and Canada.

What should you do to avoid illness?

Check your freezers and refrigerators for any onion products matching those recalled.

If you find any, discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Do not eat them.

Thoroughly clean objects and surfaces that have come into contact with the recalled onion products using hot soapy water or dishwasher detergent.

If you experience severe symptoms of salmonella, contact your healthcare provider.

What the recall means

Since the cases reported across 22 states are potentially linked to the consumption of products processed by Gills Onions, it’s important to take precautions.

Immediately discard any foods that may have been made with the recalled products.

Items and surfaces that may have been in contact with them should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

If you have inquiries regarding cases in a specific state, you should directly contact that state’s department of health.

What is salmonella?

Salmonella infection, also known as salmonellosis, is a widespread bacterial disease affecting the intestinal tract.

Salmonella bacteria typically reside in the intestines of animals and humans and are excreted through feces.

Humans most commonly contract salmonella infection through consuming contaminated water or food.

According to Mayo Clinic, some individuals infected with salmonella show no symptoms.

Symptoms of salmonella infection

A significant number of people experience diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within 8 to 72 hours after being exposed to salmonella.

Most healthy individuals recover within several days or a week without specific treatment.

However, in certain cases, diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration, necessitating prompt medical care.

Life-threatening complications may also arise if the infection spreads beyond the intestines.