Food Recalls: Outbreak of Salmonella Linked to Imported Onions

There have been several recent food recalls in Canada after a number of people have reported illnesses related to a salmonella outbreak. The recall with reported illnesses involve contaminated onions. The other recall involves a food product with metal particles found inside, however no illnesses have been reported for that one. It is important for consumers to be aware of these recalls and spread the news to friends and family to avoid illness or injury. If you have purchased any of the recalled products, do not consume them. Instead, throw them away.

Outbreak of Salmonella Linked to Thomson International Inc. Onions

There has been an outbreak of salmonella that investigators have linked to red onions imported from Thomson International Inc. in the United States. The outbreak has reportedly caused at least 120 people to become ill across Canada. “Since July 30, there have been six additional illnesses reported in the ongoing Canadian investigation, including illnesses in Saskatchewan and Québec,” The Government of Canada website states.

The Canada Food Inspection Agency has been forced to take action, recalling several different kinds of U.S. grown onions including red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions. These are all suspected to be contaminated with salmonella. The onions have been imported from Bakersfield, Calif. 

The onions have already been recalled in the U.S. by Thomson International and now the recall notice has followed in Canada, making an impact all across the country. The Canadian provinces and territories that have been impacted are Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba, The Northwest Territories, and Yukon.

The salmonella-contaminated recalled onions include a number of brands. 

Some of the onions have been sold in bulk, but single onions may not be labeled with the brand name on them. It is important to check purchased onions to be sure. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is also warning consumers not to eat any food containing raw onions, as an extra precaution. Any recalled products should be thrown away or returned to the store where you purchased them. Check labels and stickers and if they are from one of these brands, throw them away and wash your hands afterward. To be safe, throw away all onions that are not labeled. 

“Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick,” The recall notice states. 

“Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.”

If you think you have been affected by salmonella, contact your doctor immediately. 

Sysco Red Onions Recalled

Before the onions imported from Thomson International Inc. were recalled, the wholesale company Sysco recalled its red onions imported from the U.S. due to reports of salmonella infections. The onions may have also been purchased by restaurants, stores, distributors, and others who bought them from Sysco. 

However, more recently the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted outbreak updates naming Thomson International as a likely source of the contaminated red onions linked to the salmonella outbreak.

Nonetheless, Sysco has still recalled its onions across Western Canada, in Regina, Winnipeg, Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Kelowna, and Edmonton.

The red onions may have been distributed across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, North Western Ontario, and Saskatchewan as well. An investigation is still being carried out by The Canadian Food Inspection Agency to determine whether there are other onions that need to be recalled.

Check the labels on purchased onions and either throw the onions out or return them to the store.

Contact your doctor if you think you have salmonella poisoning. 

Grimm’s Bavarian Bacon & Cheddar Smokies Recall

In other recalled food news, pieces of metal were found in Grimm’s Fine Foods brand bacon and cheddar smokies. It is unclear how the product was determined to have metal pieces in it, but there doesn’t appear to have been any publicly reported cases of injuries to date. The recalled product labeled Grimm’s Bavarian Bacon & Cheddar Smokies is 450 grams in weight and has a best before code of 2020SE04. The UPC code on the product is 0 55898 14165 6. According to the recall notice, the recalled sausages have been sold in stores in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. If you have this product, do not eat it. Instead contact the company or store where you purchased the recalled item to inquire about receiving a refund. 

Food Safety Tips

It is important to practise good hygiene with food and to be aware of illness-causing bacteria like salmonella. Salmonella naturally occurs in the guts of animals, and animal products or dairy can easily become contaminated with the bacteria. Fresh produce can also be affected if it comes in contact with the bacteria.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) advises practicing food safety by throwing out all recall ditems and washing your hands after touching them, and sanitizing any other surfaces that may have come in contact with the recalled products. 

It is also recommended to wash your hands for 20 seconds or longer before and after touching raw meat and produce. It is important to also cook meat to the recommended safe temperature before consuming it. Raw meat should not touch other food or else it runs the risk of contaminating it. 

Did you purchase any of the recalled products listed? Have you ever become ill from a recalled product? Tell us your story in the comment section below! 

Read More Lawsuit & Settlement News:

Hazardous Product Recalls: President’s Choice, Home Accents

Long-Term Disability Lawyer | Insurance Claim Denial Help

Canada Roundup Glyphosate Cancer Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

Tim Hortons Facing Class Action Lawsuit for Tracking Mobile App Users