Dozens sickened across 22 states in salmonella outbreak linked to bagged, precut onions

An outbreak of salmonella poisoning linked to bagged, precut onions has sickened at least 73 people in 22 states, including 15 who were hospitalized, U.S. health officials said Tuesday.

Gills Onions of Oxnard, California, has recalled packages of diced yellow onions, red onions, onions and celery and a mix of onions, celery and carrots, known as mirepoix, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. The products recalled had use-by dates in August 2023. 

They are no longer for sale in stores, but consumers may have them — or foods made with them — in freezers. Consumers should not eat, sell or serve the onions for foods made with them, health officials said.

The diced onion products were sold to food service providers and other institutions in the U.S. and Canada, and at retailers in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Retail sites included Stater Bros., Bashas’ markets, Smart & Final  and Chef’s stores.

Salmonella poisoning can cause serious illness, especially in children younger than 5, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of infection usually occur within 12 hours to three days after eating contaminated food and include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.

Officials with the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating the outbreak to determine the source and whether additional products are tied to illnesses.