Other Types Of Onions From The U.S. Are Now Linked To Canada's Salmonella Outbreak
It’s time to check your receipts. A red onion salmonella outbreak is spreading across Canada and has now been expanded to include all types from one American company. If you have purchased onions imported from the United States, you are asked to throw them away immediately.
An official release from the Public Health Agency of Canada, updated on August 2 reads, “Do not eat, use, sell or serve any red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions grown by Thomson International Inc. of Bakersfield, California, USA, or any products made with these onions. This advice applies to all individuals [and businesses] across Canada.”
This includes any pre-packaged meals, or restaurant meals, that could contain any varieties from Thomson International Inc.
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Any onions grown or imported in Canada, or elsewhere in the United States, are not included in the recall and are fine to use.
If you have any in your home and are unsure of where they came from, it is recommended not to eat them.
Additionally, if an onion is labelled as coming from the U.S., but does not specifiy which importer, do not eat or buy it.
Previously, advice from health officials was to not eat any red onions imported from the United States.
As of August 2, there have been 120 confirmed cases of salmonella infection across Canada. The breakdown of cases between provinces is as follows:
- British Columbia (43)
- Alberta (56)
- Saskatchewan (4)
- Manitoba (13)
- Ontario (2)
- Quebec (1)
- Prince Edward Island (1)
Seventeen of the current recorded cases across the country have resulted in hospitalization. There have been no deaths reported.
If you’ve eaten onions over the past few weeks and are exhibiting fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea, or vomiting, you are advised to visit your doctor or a clinic immediately.
So, if you’re planning on making any salads or throwing in a handful of onions to your next culinary creation, it may be worth it to double-check and not take any risks.