A massive recall of U.S.-grown onions that could be contaminated with Salmonella has since expanded to include a number of food products widely distrubuted in British Columbia.
The products, which include a line of popular salsas, as well as pre-made salads and sandwiches, contain onions grown by Thomson International Inc., which is based in Bakersfield, California. The affected onions are red, yellow, white, and sweet yellow. Affected brands are: El Competidor; Imperial Fresh; Onions 52; Tender Loving Care; Thomson International; Thomson International Premium; and Thomson Premium.
An initial food recall warning was issued on August 1, and has since been updated to include numerous additional products.
This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) food safety investigation.
Consumers are warned to not consume the products, which include salsas from Fresh Is Best, and prepared foods from Skeena Select. Other items are those that were distrubuted and sold at various IGA, Safeway, Sobeys and Thrifty Foods across British Columbia.
These products may also have been purchased on-line or through various restaurant or convenience store locations, the CFIA cautions consumers.
Here are the recalled items:
FRESH IS BEST
CFIASKEENA SELECT
CFIASALADS, SANDWICHES
CFIAA notice from the Public Health Agency of Canada emphasizes that the onions that pose a risk are all imported from the States: "There is no evidence to suggest that onions grown in Canada are associated with this outbreak. Onions imported from the United States are under investigation."
However, the B.C. CDC does caution that if you aren't certain of the source of your onions, it would be best not to eat them.
As of August 7, the B.C. CDC says they have 69 confirmed cases of salmonella reported since June.
The Canadian government has all the information regarding the outbreak and associated recalls as part of their Public Health Notice.
