Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Red, yellow, white onions recalled across Canada due to possible Salmonella contamination

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A variety of onions imported from the U.S. have been recalled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) after a food safety investigation into a Salmonella outbreak across several provinces.

The CFIA had initially recalled just red onions grown by Thomson International Inc., Bakersfield, California, as part of their outbreak investigation.

However the company has since recalled all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions, due to the risk of cross-contamination.

See also: 43 British Columbians affected by Salmonella outbreak linked to red onions from U.S.

The CFIA has followed suit and recalled all red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions imported from El Competidor, Imperial Fresh, Onions 52, Tender Loving Care, Thomson International, Thomson International Premium, and Thomson Premium brands purchased since May 1, 2020.

As of August 2, the Salmonella outbreak in Canada has affected 120 people including 43 in British Columbia.

Retailers, restaurants, and members of the public are advised not to serve, use, or sell, these products.

According to the advisory, these onions may also have been purchased online or through restaurant locations, and may have been sold in bulk or smaller packages with or without a label, and may not have the same brand or product names.

Anyone who has already consumed the recalled onions and has fallen sick is advised to call their doctor.

The agency warns that food contaminated by Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.

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. Long-term complications include severe arthritis.

Additional recalls could follow as the CFIA continues its investigation into other possible importers.

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Brishti Basu
Former Senior Staff Writer and Content Manager at Victoria Buzz.

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