Thomson International, Inc. & Multistate Salmonella Outbreak
To date, 396 total illnesses have been reported including 59 hospitalizations.
The culprit? Onions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified Thomson International, Inc. as the likely source of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections. As a result, the company voluntarily recalled their red, yellow, white and sweet yellow onions on August 1, 2020. Foods made with recalled onions such as cheese dips or spreads, salsas and chicken salads have also been recalled. See the complete list of recalled onions and foods here.
Although the investigation is ongoing, it is vital to learn about the potential source of Salmonella Newport infections and how to best avoid suffering an illness.
What Is Salmonella?
According to the FDA, Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, people with weakened immune systems, and frail or elderly people. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days and typically doesn’t require treatment.
Most people get the following symptoms 6 hours to 6 days after exposure to Salmonella:
- diarrhea
- fever
- stomach cramps
In rare cases, the following symptoms may occur:
- arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms)
- endocarditis
- arthritis
Tips to Best Avoid a Salmonella Newport Infection
In the recall, the company strongly advises that “Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve red, white, yellow, or sweet onions from Thomson International, Inc. or products containing such onions. If you cannot tell if your onion is from Thomson International Inc., or your food product contains such onions, you should not eat, sell, or serve it, and should throw it out.”
In addition, the CDC provides the following recommendations:
- Check your home for recalled onions and foods from Thomson International, Inc. and other companies, such Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Kroger, Publix, Ralph’s, Trader Joe’s and Walmart
- Wash and sanitize any surfaces that may have come in contact with onions or their packaging
- When you order food from a restaurant or shop for food, ensure they are not serving or selling recalled onions from Thomson International, Inc. or other companies, or any foods prepared with recalled onions
- If they don’t know where their onions are from, don’t buy the product or order the food
Did You Suffer a Salmonella Newport Infection? Call Us.
If you are a victim of an illness or injury due to Thomson International, Inc.’s recalled onions, you may have a legal case. If you suffered a Salmonella Newport infection prior to August 1, 2020, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible party with the help of our Columbia personal injury lawyers.
Don’t let a company get away with causing your pain and suffering. Allow Masella Law Firm, P.A. to advocate for a favorable outcome on your behalf. To learn about how we can work to secure maximum compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more, please contact (803) 938-4952 as soon as possible.