This morning the FDA issued a notice of a  multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections. This outbreak has sickened almost 400 people from 34 states and is . also linked to an outbreak of S. Newport in Canada. The outbreak is being investigated by the FDA, along with CDC, state and local partners, is investigating the outbreak. 

Thomson International, Inc. of Bakersfield, CA has been identified as the likely source of potentially contaminated red onions.  Tracing and investigation is still ongoing to determine the source of contamination and if additional products are linked to illness.  The FDA will provide additional information as it becomes available. Information about the outbreak is also available from the CDC. 

Recall

Due to the risk of cross-contamination the supplier (Thompson International, Inc. of Bakersfield California) is recalling all of their red, white, yellow, and sweet onion varieties.Recall information will be made public as soon as it is available from Thomson International, Inc. FDA recall information is available online.

Recommendations 

Advice for consumers, restaurants, and retailers:

• Do not eat, sell, or serve red, white, yellow, or sweet onions from Thomson International, Inc. or products which may have them in it.
• If you have onions and you are not sure where they came from, throw them or any products with onions fromThomson International, Inc. away. 
• Use extra diligence cleaning surfaces and containers which may have come in contact with the potentially contaminated onions, including cutting boards, slices, countertops, refrigerators, and storage bins.
• Severe cases of salmonella can be fatal so if you have symptoms of salmonella you should contact  your healthcare provider.  

Whatcom County

Since July 1, Whatcom County has seen an abnormally high number of cases of Salmonella infection. It is not known if Whatcom County’s Salmonella cases are caused by red onions. The Whatcom County Food Safety Program has forwarded the FDA notice to local food establishments, as it has advice about checking source/possibly disposing of onions in stock now.