Mexican onions caused salmonellosis outbreak in U.S.

U.S. authorities have warned of an outbreak of salmonellosis linked to onions in 37 states, with more than 650 people already sick, according to information on the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is noted that the outbreak is associated with fresh red, white and yellow onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico. Onions were distributed by ProSource Inc. and supplied to restaurants and grocery stores nationwide. ProSource Inc. noted that onions were last imported on August 27, but the CDC indicated the product could still be stored in homes and businesses.

Consequently, residents are being warned not to sell, buy or consume onions if they were imported from Chihuahua and distributed by ProSource Inc. Similar warnings apply to onions without labels or packaging that make it clear where the product was grown.

Authorities are working to find out if the outbreak is linked to any other onions and other suppliers.

Salmonellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea.