BREAKING NEWS – FDA Identifies Probable Source of Salmonella-contaminated Red Onions

FDA traceback investigations have identified Thomson International, Inc. of Bakersfield, CA as a likely source of potentially contaminated red onions believed to be the source of a fulminating outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections in the United States and Canada.

The outbreak which began in mid-June in both countries, has infected 114 individuals in 5 Canadian provinces and 396 people across 34 US states.

Fifty-nine people have been hospitalized in the USA and 16 in Canada.

Thomson International has advised FDA that the company will be recalling all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions, including red, white, yellow, and sweet onions.

The contaminated onions were distributed in Canada by Sysco, which has already issued a recall for its IMPERIAL FRESH – Jumbo red onions.

Consumers, retailers and food service establishments should avoid eating, selling or serving red, white, yellow or sweet onions from Thomson International.

BREAKING NEWS – Red Onions from USA Blamed for Cross-border Salmonella Outbreak

Red onions grown in the United States and imported into Canada are the source of an outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections which has sickened 114 people in five Canadian provinces and more than 200 people in the United States.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the following provinces have reported illnesses associated with this outbreak: “British Columbia (43), Alberta (55), Manitoba (13), Ontario (2), and Prince Edward Island (1). The individual from Prince Edward Island reported travelling to Alberta before becoming ill. Saskatchewan has not reported any confirmed illnesses related to this outbreak, but provincial public health authorities are investigating some Salmonella Newport illnesses in the province.”

Sysco has recalled all IMPERIAL FRESH brand Red Onions – Jumbo (10-lb and 25-lb bags) imported into Canada from the United States since May 24th. The recalled onions were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.

The Public Health Agency of Canada advises individuals in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario to not eat any red onions imported to Canada from the U.S., including any food products that contain raw red onions imported from U.S.. Retailers and restaurants in these locations are also advised not to use, sell or serve red onions imported from the U.S.. Red onions grown in Canada are not affected by this advice.

Although PHAC states that it has been exchanging information with the US, there has been no word yet today from CDC or FDA on these developments.

PHAC has offered the following guidance to consumers, retailers and the food service industry:

Individuals in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario are advised to not eat any red onions imported to Canada from the U.S., including any food products that contain raw red onions imported from U.S..

Retailers and restaurants in these locations are also advised not to use, sell or serve red onions imported from the U.S.. Red onions harvested in Canada are not affected by this advice.

Individuals are asked to check their homes for red onions, including whole, sliced, or chopped, as well as prepared foods that contain red onions as an ingredient, such as premade salads, sandwiches, wraps, or dips.

If you have red onions at home:
- Look for a label showing where the red onion was grown. It may be printed on the package or on a sticker.
- If the packaging or sticker shows that it is from the U.S., don’t eat it. Throw it away and wash your hands.
- If it isn’t labeled, don’t eat it. Throw it away and wash your hands.
- If you don’t know whether the red onion found in a premade salad, sandwich, wrap or dip contains red onion from the U.S., don’t eat it. Throw it away and wash your hands.
- Wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in areas (such as fridges and cupboards) where red onions were stored.
If you buy red onions at a store:
- Look for a label showing where the red onion was grown. It may be printed on the package or on a sticker.
- If the packaging shows that it is from the U.S., don’t buy it.
- If it is an unpackaged product, or is not labelled, ask the retailer whether the red onion comes from the U.S.
- If you can’t confirm that the red onion in stores is not from the U.S., don’t buy it.
If you order salad or any other food item containing red onions at a restaurant or food establishment, ask the staff whether the red onions come from the U.S. If they did, or they don’t know, don’t eat it.
Restaurants and retailers should check the label on bags or boxes of red onions, or ask their suppliers about the source of their red onions.
Suppliers, distributors and others in the supply chain should not ship or sell red onions imported from the U.S.
If you have been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection or any other gastrointestinal illness, do not cook food for other people.
Contact your local public health authority to report any food safety concerns at restaurants or grocery stores, or if you suspect food poisoning from a restaurant or other food establishments.

Recalls and Alerts: July 23 – 25, 2020

Here is today’s list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

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United States

OUTBREAK ALERT UPDATE: CDC reports 212 confirmed cases of Salmonella Newport infections in 23 states, with 31 people hospitalized. CDC has not yet identified a particular food, retailer or restaurant chain associated with the outbreak.

OUTBREAK ALERT UPDATE: CDC reports 641 confirmed cases of Cyclospora infections in 11 states, with 37 hospitalizations. The outbreak has been linked to consumption of bagged salad mixes produced at the Fresh Express facility in Streamwood, IL and sold under several different brand names. FDA’s traceback investigation is continuing.

Allergy Alert: UpSpring LLC recalls UpSpring Baby Iron + Immunity dietary supplement (60 ml dark brown glass bottles; Lot #06691; Expiry March 2021) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert: Wellements LLC recalls Iron Drops liquid Dietary Supplement (1oz/30ml bottle; Lot 18491 BB 1/2021, Lot 10592 BB 10/2020, Sample Lot 10592 BB 10/2020) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert: Whole Foods Market recalls Chantilly Key Lime Tartlets (PLU 268564; product sell-by date through July 26, 2020; Available in WFM stores in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island) due to undeclared almonds.

Allergy Alerts: Whole Foods Market recalls Kouign-amann pastries (PLU 267394; sell through date of July 27, 2020; Available in WFM stores in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas and Utah) due to undeclared egg.

Food Safety Recall: Coco’s Italian Market recalls approximately 16,868 pounds of various ready-to-eat frozen meat products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Canada

OUTBREAK ALERT: The Public Health Agency of Canada reports 59 confirmed cases of Salmonella Newport infections in 5 provinces, with 6 persons hospitalized. This outbreak is linked to the US outbreak posted above. PHAC has not yet identified a common source for the infections.

Europe

Food Safety Recall (France): Carrefour recalls Carrefour Le Marché brand Terrine de saumon à l’aneth / salmon terrine with dill (150g; Lot #2028301; Best before 24/07/2020) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Iceland): Matfugl ehf recalls Ali and Bónus chicken (Batch #215-20-25-1-01; Expiry dates 28.07.20 – 30.07.20) due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Cora recalls Saupiquet brand Moules à l’escabèche / mussels (110g; Best before 08/08/2021) due to foreign matter (metal pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Lidl Sverige recalls Svea Lantkött brand Färskkorv Kielbasa (320g; 2020-07-18) due to Salmonella contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

OUTBREAK ALERT (NEW ZEALAND): New Zealand Food Safety is working with Toi Te Ora Public Health to identify the source of Listeria for the three cases of listeriosis in Tauranga. There is no evidence so far linking the cases to the cheese recalls listed below.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Speirs Foods (2018) LP recalls The Whole Mix brand Moroccan Cous Cous & Chicken Snack Pot (125g; Use by dates between and including 24JUL20 and 02AUG20) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination in the feta cheese.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd recalls Pams brand Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette (295g; Use by dates between and including 09JUL20 and 25JUL20; Best before dates between and including 25/07/20 and 02/08/20) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination in the feta cheese.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): LeaderBrand Produce Limited recalls LeaderBrand brand Garden Gate Crisp’n Zesty Chopped Salad (260g; Best before up to and including 04/08/2020) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination in the feta cheese.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Talbot Forest Cheese recalls various brands and varieties of cheese due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Goodman Fielder recalls various brands and varieties of cheese due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.