The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found the leading cause of the Salmonella outbreak that was first reported in September 2021. According to the reports, fresh onions have led to the spread of the disease. On Wednesday, CDC announced a food safety alert, in which they reported that currently, Salmonella cases are standing at 652 Americans across 37 states. However, as per the CDC, the case may grow more in the coming days.
Although the real reason for the Salmonella outbreak was not known, now CDC has found that the red, yellow, and green onions that were shipped from Chihuahua, Mexico have caused the outbreak. As per the reports, the onions that were shipped were distributed by a private company based in Hailey, Idaho, ProSource Inc.
“ProSource Inc. indicated onions were last imported on August 27, but these imported onions can last up to three months in storage and may still be in homes and businesses. Investigators are working to determine if other onions and suppliers are linked to this outbreak,” stated CDC in a statement.
The department has also warned the people of America to throw away and not consume onions that are affected or the sources of which are unknown, which can be stored for at least three months. “Throw away any whole red, white, or yellow onions you have at home that do not have a sticker or packaging,” stated CDC. Moreover, it further added that “If you can’t tell where the onions are from, don’t buy or eat them.”
To ensure there is no further damage, ProSource Inc. has “agreed to voluntarily recall red, yellow, and white onions” that were distributed from July 1 to August 27, as per the reports by FDA. The types of onions include sweet onions, medium and jumbo onions.
However, the FDA said that the recall notice didn’t include the names of the stores and places where it has distributed onions, but “additional recall information will be made public as soon as it is available from ProSource Inc..” Moreover, as salmonella has spread over 37 states, thus if anyone foresees any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, dehydration or fever, one must consult a doctor immediately. The bacteria can be effected within six hours to six days once exposed, as per CDC. Furthermore, it may take four to seven days to completely recover.
