Salmonella outbreak that sickened dozens linked to bagged pre-cut onions

A recent outbreak of salmonella has been linked to bagged pre-cut onions, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Tuesday.

Gills Onions of Oxnard, Calif., recalled certain lots of fresh diced yellow onions, mirepoix and diced red onion after they were linked to dozens of reported illnesses and hospitalizations.

The recalled products were sold at stores in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana and Oregon, though they are no longer being sold, the Food and Drug Administration said in its recall notice. The CDC said some products were also sent to restaurants and facilities in Canada.

The recall is connected to 73 reported illnesses and 15 hospitalizations from residents in 22 states, according to the CDC. California had the highest number of illnesses, with 17 reports.

The lots of recalled products included 3 pound bags and 8 ounce cups of diced yellow onions, 8 ounce cups of diced celery and onions, 10 ounce cups of diced mirepoix and 8 ounce cups of diced red onions with use-by-dates Aug. 8-28.

The CDC advised people to check their freezers and refrigerators for the products and to throw them away or return them to where they were purchased. Other items that may have touched the recalled products should be washed with hot soapy water or a dishwasher, the CDC said.

Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, vomiting and signs of dehydration, the CDC said. Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria, while recovery without treatment takes about four to seven days.