Onions recalled over Salmonella concerns

Thomson International, Inc. is voluntarily recalling red, yellow, white and sweet yellow onions because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to a Department of Defense All Food and Drug Activity message sent Aug. 2.

The Defense Commissary Agency has publicized this recall to all its stores, said Richard Stith, Chief, Public Health Division, DeCA headquarters at Fort Lee, Virginia. Whenever a commissary has recalled or withdrawn products in its inventory, they are immediately removed from store shelves.                           

The affected onions were distributed in 5, 10, 25, 40 and 50 lbs. cartons; 2, 3, 5, 10, 25, and 50 lbs. mesh sacks and bear the following brand names:

Majestic

Imperial Fresh

Onions 52

Utah Onions

Hartley’s Best

Thomson Premium

TLC Thomson International

Tender Loving Care

El Competitor

There have been 396 total illnesses reported with 59 hospitalizations. 

Salmonella can be potentially life-threatening, especially to infants, older people, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. It can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella’s most common symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. Salmonella’s symptoms usually develop between eight to 72 hours after consumption of the contaminated food and last about four to seven days.

Customers should return the product to the commissary of purchase for a full refund.

Questions about this recall can be directed to Kim Earnshaw with Thomson International at 661-845-1111.