More recalls and almost 900 infected in the salmonella outbreak linked to onions

The coast-to-coast salmonella outbreak linked to whole onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, continues to expand, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update.

Here’s what you need to know.

What else has been recalled?

Since the two runs of onions and products with onions in October, there have been three more recalls of onions.

▪ Pier-C Produce recalled 2-pound mesh bags of white onions, UPC code No. 0 33383 60051 2, sent to one Florida retailer and one Florida wholesaler in August.

Pier-C customers with questions can call 888-783-8459, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time.

▪ Potandon Foods recalled 3-pound bags of Green Giant Fresh whole yellow onions, lot Nos. 149007 and 119008; 5-pound bags of Green Giant Fresh whole yellow onions, lot No. 049008; and 2-pound bags of Green Giant Fresh whole white onions, lot No. 139008.

Customers with questions can call Potandon at 800-637-8084, Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Eastern time.

▪ Alsum Farms & Produce recalled 3-pound bags of whole yellow onions, lot Nos. 049008, 099008, 109008, 119008 and 149007; 5-pound bags of whole yellow onions, lot Nos. 099008, 109008 and 119008; 2-pound bags of whole white onions, lot No. 169008; 2-pound bags of whole red onions, lot Nos. 039008, 099008, 109008, 139007 and 139008; and 50-pound carton of whole yellow onions, labeled “Produce of Mexico.”

Alsum can be reached at 800-236-5127, ext. 6703, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern time.

Throw out these onions or return them to the store for a refund.

As a consumer, avoid onions from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. If you don’t know where your whole onions are from or if the restaurant or person serving you can’t tell you where they’re from, don’t eat them.

Meal kits and Green Giant brand onions among the latest salmonella outbreak recalls

The 37-state salmonella outbreak that might make you toss your onions (in the trash)

How widespread is the outbreak?

The CDC’s most recent update says the number sick is up to 892, with 183 hospitalizations across 38 states and Puerto Rico. There have been no deaths.

As far as the hardest hit places, Texas accounts for 207 illnesses and Oklahoma has 114. Virginia has 69 infected while Maryland has 63. Missouri has 51. Illinois has 48 and Florida has 43.

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What is salmonella?

By the CDC’s count, salmonella strikes 1.35 million Americans each year, hospitalizes about 26,500 and kills 420. Most at risk for the worst effects are senior citizens, children under 5 and those with damaged immune systems. Most people get fever, vomiting, stomachaches and diarrhea that starts around 12 to 72 hours after eating the tainted food and runs for four to seven days.