The Oregon Health Authority Friday said there have been 76 cases of salmonella in Oregon linked to a larger, nationwide outbreak.
According to the agency, the outbreak has been tied to red onions, specifically from Thomson International Inc. of Bakersfield, California.
Of those who have gotten sick in Oregon, nearly 20 people have been hospitalized, OHA said in a news release. The agency said none have died.
More than 400 people in about 40 states, as well as in parts of Canada, have been sickened in the outbreak, OHA said. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oregon has identified the most salmonella cases connected to the outbreak.
Oregon health officials are urging people to contact a health care provider if they believe they have gotten sick after eating red onions.
“If you have any of these potentially contaminated onions, discard them and wash your hands afterwards,” Dr. Emilio DeBess, an epidemiologist at the Oregon Public Health Division Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section, said in a statement.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Thomson International, Inc. Saturday recalled all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with contaminated red onions. Those recalled onions include red, yellow, white and sweet yellow onions.
The onions were distributed to wholesalers, restaurants and retail stores in all 50 states and Canada, the FDA said.
The onions were distributed under the brand names:
- Thomson Premium
- TLC Thomson International
- Tender Loving Care
- El Competitor
- Hartley’s Best
- Onions 52
- Majestic
- Imperial Fresh
- Kroger
- Utah Onions
- Food Lion