Yes, there is a recall on diced onion products tied to a multistate salmonella outbreak

Many people use green, red, yellow or white onions when cooking to add extra flavor to their favorite dishes. They can be eaten raw, sautéed, roasted, caramelized, marinated or grilled.

But recent online search trends show that more people are wondering if there is a current recall on onions in the U.S.

THE QUESTION

Is there a recall on onion products in the U.S.?

THE SOURCES

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Gills Onions, onion grower in Oxnard, California

THE ANSWER

Yes, there is a recall on some Gills Onions brand fresh diced onion products that have been linked to a salmonella outbreak in 22 states.

WHAT WE FOUND

Gills Onions of Oxnard, California, has voluntarily recalled some of its branded fresh diced onion products because they may be contaminated with salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A salmonella outbreak linked to the recalled onion products has left at least 73 people ill in 22 states, including 15 who were hospitalized, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.

In an Oct. 23 press release, Gills Onions said the recalled products include bagged and precut yellow onions, red onions, a mix of onions and celery, and a mix of onions, celery and carrots, known as mirepoix. All of the recalled products had use-by dates between Aug. 8 and Aug. 28, 2023, and are no longer for sale in stores.

The recalled products were sold in select stores in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, including Stater Bros. Markets, Bashas’ Supermarkets, Chef’Store and Smart & Final, Gills Onions says. They were also sent to restaurants and other institutions in the U.S. and Canada.

Although the recalled products are beyond their use-by-dates and no longer available in stores, some people may still have them or foods made with them in their freezers. Anyone who still has the recalled products in their possession should not eat, sell or serve them, and should throw them away.

Salmonella poisoning can cause serious illness that may require medical treatment or hospitalization, especially in children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 years old and older, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC. Symptoms, which can include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, usually start within six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria.

The CDC and the FDA are investigating the salmonella outbreak to determine the source and whether additional products are tied to illnesses. Click here to see photos of the recalled products.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.