Ohio Included In Nationwide Onion Recall

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio is included in a nationwide recall of red, white, yellow and sweet onions due to possible Salmonella contamination.

The recall goes back to May 1, and includes onions distributed by Thomson International Inc., sold to wholesalers, restaurants and retail stores in 5, 10, 25, 40 and 50-pound cartons and 2, 3, 5, 10, 25 and 50-pound sacks. The onions were sold 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 and Food Lion.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system. Healthy people often experience a fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can get into the bloodstream, causing more serious illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

Anyone with red, white, sweet or yellow onions sold under these brands is urged to throw it away. Health officials encouraged anyone who is unsure where their onions came from to err on the side of caution, and avoid eating, selling or serving them.

Across the country, 396 total illnesses have been reported, including 59 hospitalizations.

Patch Editor Rachel Nunes contributed to this report.