There’s a New Salmonella Outbreak and It’s Linked to Your Onions, the CDC Warns

Some may recall a 2001 song by indie rock band The Shins, called “Know Your Onion!” That song comes to mind again, two decades later, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an onion recall over potential risk of salmonella.

According to the CDC, the salmonella outbreak, which is likely to have begun with onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, is now in 37 states and has affected over 600 people to date. As a result, the CDC is asking both businesses and consumers to toss any onions imported from Chihuahua and distributed by ProSource Inc. immediately. That includes all varieties — whether white, yellow, or red. 

So how can you tell where your onions have been distributed from? You’ll be able to check pretty quickly if they have a sticker on them, as it will identify either their distributor or origin. And if the onions you picked up didn’t come with a sticker? Don’t take the risk. “If you can’t tell where the onions are from, don’t buy or eat them,” the CDC said in their October 20 statement.

Furthermore, if you have had these onions on any surface in your home, it is recommended that you wash your countertops and containers with hot, soapy water to play it safe. While the CDC says the dangerous onions were imported in late August, onions typically stay fresh in storage for a few months, so they can easily still be on store shelves — or in your kitchen. Always better to be safe than sorry!