There have been 73 reported cases of salmonella illness in 22 states, with 15 individuals requiring hospitalization, as stated by American health authorities on Tuesday. This outbreak has been linked to the consumption of bagged and precut onions.

Gills Onions, located in Oxnard, California, has issued a recall on various packages containing diced yellow onions, red onions, and a mix of onions, celery, and carrots (known as mirepoix). These products were marked with use-by dates in August 2023 and are no longer available for purchase in stores. However, consumers may still have these products or foods made with them in their freezers. Health officials advise against consuming, selling, or serving these onions or any foods made with them.

Diced onion items were distributed to food service and other establishments in the United States and Canada, as well as sold at retail locations in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. These retail locations included Stater Bros., Bashas’ markets, and Smart & Final stores in Arizona and California, as well as Smart & Final and Chef’s Store in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

Consuming food contaminated with Salmonella can result in severe illness, particularly in children under the age of 5, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Signs of infection typically manifest within 12 hours to 3 days after ingestion and may include diarrhea, high body temperature, and stomach pain.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are currently investigating the outbreak to identify its origin and determine if other products may also be linked to reported illnesses.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is entirely responsible for the content.