Publix and Giant Eagle stores have joined the onion recall linked to an outbreak of salmonella, which has now led to illness in 43 states.
The Food & Drug Administration updated its investigation on Friday to say that Publix Super Markets recalled red onions sold in six states and Giant Eagle stores recalled red, yellow and white onions sold in five states.
Thomson International of Bakersfield, Calif., Last week recalled all yellow red, white, yellow and sweet onions shipped to all 50 states and the District of Columbia from May 1 through August. 1 out of concern, they could be affected, says the FDA.
The onion recall came as health officials announced they were investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to red onions, which at the time had caused nearly 400 cases in 34 states in July. The US Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also investigating.
In its Friday update, the CDC reported 640 cases of salmonella illness and 85 hospitalizations in 43 states.
Salmonella disease often involves diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps six hours to six days after exposure, according to the CDC. More severe cases can lead to high fever, body aches, headache, lethargy, rash, and blood in the urine or stool. The disease can be fatal; salmonella causes about 420 deaths per year in the United States, according to the CDC.
Latest onion recalls
Publix Super Markets has recalled red onions packaged by Del Monte Fresh Produce and sold in bulk merchandise displays in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
“As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially affected products were removed from all store shelves which were then cleaned and disinfected,” said Maria Brous, Director of Communications at Publix, in a notice on the Company Website. “To date, there have been no reported illnesses. Customers who have purchased the product in question can return the product to their local store for a full refund.”
Giant Eagle supermarkets have recalled red, yellow and white onions sold on product shelves in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Maryland. Giant Eagle has also recalled nearly 50 prepared foods purchased since July 25 because they may contain onion as an ingredient. Among the products included: Tuscan chicken salad, grilled vegetables, slice of Philly steak pizza, spinach dip and Pierogie lasagna wrap. For the full list, visit the FDA website.
Earlier this week, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued new public health alerts regarding the recall of several ready-to-eat meat and poultry products and salads sold in select Walmart stores, Kroger and HEB in 10 states because they contain recalled onions. Also recalled: Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse Ham Water Added with Vinegar Vinegar, sold in 1.25 lb jars and shipped to retailers in four states and sold by mail.
Contributor: Kelly Tyko
Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @MikeSnider.
