For an update on the investigation in the U.S., see: “California grower recalls red onions suspected by FDA in outbreak”
Sysco Canada is recalling red onions imported from the U.S., naming the onions as the possible source of a salmonella outbreak, and Canadian health officials are advising people not to eat the onions.
The Public Health Agency of Canada announced the link to red onions on July 30.
The Salmonella Newport outbreak involves more cases in the U.S., but as of late afternoon July 31, no recall had been announced in the U.S. by Sysco. The Food and Drug Administration, which has been investigating the outbreak for about two weeks, including working with Canadian officials, has not commented on the Canadian recall.
“Until more is known about the outbreak, individuals in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario are advised to not eat any red onions imported to Canada from the U.S., including any food products that contain raw red onions imported from U.S.,” according to the Canadian health agency’s July 30 notice. “Retailers and restaurants in these locations are also advised not to use, sell or serve red onions imported from the U.S. Red onions grown in Canada are not affected by this advice.”
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, people who became ill reported eating the red onions at home, at restaurants and in residential care settings.
As of July 30, there were 114 confirmed cases in Canada, but health authorities said more cases could be reported.
In the U.S., there were 212 cases as of July 24, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported at that time the “outbreak is rapidly growing in size.”
The recalled onions in Canada were Imperial Fresh brand jumbo red onions in 10- and 25-pound bags, with product codes of 8399925 and 8313967, respectively; all products were imported into Canada after May 24.
Sysco is recalling the onions through Canadian Sysco locations in Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Regina.
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