Aug. 2, 2020
The National Onion Association is saddened to hear of the illnesses caused by a Salmonella contamination linked to red onions, and we can assure the American and Canadian publics that if onions are proven to be the source, it is an isolated incident being taken seriously.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has isolated the contamination to one grower, Thomson International, in Bakersfield, Calif., who is cooperating fully with a voluntary recall of all varieties of its onions out of an abundance of caution. Those include, red, yellow, white and sweet onions. The onions under were sold under the following brands: Thomson Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, Hartley’s Best, Onions 52, Majestic, Imperial Fresh, Kroger, Utah Onions and Food Lion. Check this page for photos of brand packaging.
Though it has isolated red onions, the FDA has not yet completed its investigation into the cause of the contamination.
Nothing is more important to our nation’s growers than food safety. All onion industry growers adhere to rigorous food safety regulations to ensure all onions that wind up on dinner tables are safe to eat.
Consumers are asked to inspect their onions. If they cannot determine from packaging the origin of their red onions, they are asked to dispose of them. Cooking onions thoroughly will naturally kill any potential lingering bacteria.
Further, if you feel you have come in contact with these products, you will need to use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces or containers they may have come in contact with.
Please read the full release from the FDA’s investigation here. This release can direct you on who to call if you feel you have been exposed in this outbreak, with online forms and contact information.
All questions should be directed to:
Greg Yielding
Executive Vice President
National Onion Association
(970) 381-8172
