Precut Onions Behind Salmonella Outbreak, CDC Says

Several varieties of fresh diced onions have been linked to an outbreak of salmonella that has infected 73 people across 22 states, including 15 hospitalizations. ​ ​

The onions were sold in stores and restaurants nationwide under the Gills Onions brand and have since been recalled. Although the affected onions’ use-by dates were between Aug. 8 and Aug. 28, officials are concerned that the onions may be in freezers or mixed with other foods with the onions as an ingredient. ​ 

​Among the 19 infected people interviewed, 14 reported eating diced onions, including six residing in long-term care facilities. Investigators also found three sickened individuals living in the same facility. All infections occurred between Aug. 2 and Sept. 25.​ 

Gills Onions were recalled after being linked to an outbreak of salmonella.

Courtesy Gills Onions

​Although the contaminated onions were only distributed to locations in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, infections occurred in 22 states, with 17 each in California and Utah. ​ ​

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes the true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella. Additionally, recent illnesses may not be reported because it takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. ​ ​

Advice to consumers

Consumers are advised to check their freezers and refrigerators for the recalled onions and throw them away or return them to where they were purchased. Make sure to wash any items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled onion products using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.​ ​

The Gills Onions products that have been recalled include: 3-pound bags of diced yellow onions, 8-ounce cups of diced yellow onions, 8-ounce cups of diced celery and onions, 10-ounce cups of diced mirepoix, and 8-ounce cups of diced red onions. ​

​They were sold at retailers including Bashas Markets, Chef’Store, Smart & Final and Stater Bros.​ ​

Consumers who purchased the recalled products and have questions may contact Gills Onions at 800-348-2255 or visit gillsonions.com. See the recall announcement for a full list of affected products and lot codes.​ ​

Symptoms of a salmonella infection

​Salmonella bacteria cause illnesses in 1.35 million people every year, according to the CDC. The microbe is responsible for 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths annually. Common symptoms of a salmonella infection, known as salmonellosis, include:​

• Diarrhea ​
• Fever​
• Stomach pains​ ​

Most people can recover without an antibiotic, but treatment is recommended for anyone with severe illness. Infected adults over age 65 (or over 50 if an underlying condition such as heart disease is present), infants and those with a weakened immune system are also advised to take an antibiotic.​ ​

In severe cases, an infection can also result in a high fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and dehydration. An infection can also be fatal. Most people infected will exhibit symptoms six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria. Typically people recover in four to seven days without the need for treatment.