Hiding Under All The Layers Is A Bacterial Disease: Salmonella Outbreak Tied To Onions

US Salmonella outbreak tied to onions sickens more than 650 people in 37 states, U.S. health officials said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at least 129 people have been hospitalized. No one has died. Nearly all of the illnesses were reported in August and September, and the largest numbers of cases were in Texas and Oklahoma.

The outbreak has been traced to whole red, white, and yellow onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, and distributed throughout the United States by ProSource Inc., the CDC said this week.

The onions were last imported on Aug. 27. However, officials say they can last in storage for up to three months. Consumers are advised not to buy or eat whole fresh red, white, or yellow onions imported from Chihuahua and distributed by Prosource, and to throw out any whole red, white, or yellow onions that do not have a sticker or packaging. 

The CDC also advises that surfaces and containers that have been in contact with the onions should be washed with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.