Two Types of Raw Produce Are Being Recalled Nationally Due to Possible Harmful Bacteria
Updated: Oct. 26, 2023
Whether you reside on the East or West Coast, you may be impacted by two recalls announced on October 23, 2023.
This week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced two separate recalls involving two varieties of fresh produce sold in stores that could be contaminated with two different types of dangerous bacteria: Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, respectively.
Gills Onions, located in Oxnard, CA, has voluntarily recalled several of its chopped onion products due to the potential contamination with Salmonella. These onions were distributed to different markets in six states—namely Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
The company issued the recall notice after being informed by the FDA that these products were part of an ongoing Salmonella outbreak “traceback investigation.” The notice did not provide additional details about the broader investigation.
The current recall encompasses various products with different use-by dates from August 2023. Although these products are no longer available for sale, they might be in freezers or have been used in recipes that were subsequently frozen.
The onion recall includes several packages, such as:
- three-pound bags of diced yellow onions
- eight-ounce cups of diced yellow onions
- eight-ounce cups of diced celery & onions
- 10-ounce cups of diced Mirepoix
- eight-ounce cups of diced red onions
Editor’s note: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as of October 24, 2023, a total of 73 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 22 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 2, 2023, to September 25, 2023. Of the 65 people with information available, 15 (23%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
If you suspect that you may be affected by the recall, contact Gills Onions at 1-800-348-2255 or visit gillsonions.com for more information. You can refer to the recall for specific UPC codes and use-by dates.
On the East Coast, Utopia Foods Inc., located in Glendale, NY, is recalling all 200-gram enoki mushroom packages (equating to approximately seven ounces) branded with Qilu Enterprise. According to the FDA notice, routine sampling of the product by the State of West Virginia revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. These packages all share the same UPC code, 928918-610109.
Enoki mushrooms are the variety baring long, thin stems and small mushroom tops, usually white or light in color. The recalled enoki mushrooms were distributed to wholesale stores in five states between August 7, 2023, and October 20, 2023, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maryland. They were likely further distributed to grocery stores and other locations.
Although no illnesses have been attributed to the mushrooms, it is recommended that all these products be discarded or returned for a refund. If you have any questions, contact Utopia Foods Inc. at 718-389.8898.
This isn’t the first time enoki mushrooms have been contaminated with Listeria. There was a significant outbreak associated with these mushrooms at the beginning of 2023, resulting in several people falling ill. According to the FDA, enoki mushrooms have been responsible for over 20 recalls since 2020.
The FDA advises pregnant women, people over 65, and individuals with compromised immune systems to avoid them. Those who consume or cook these mushrooms should exercise extra caution and prevent them from coming into contact with other food or cooking surfaces.
Originally Published: October 24, 2023
