Salmonella is something to take seriously. According to the FDA, the bacteria can "cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems." Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
An investigation by the CDC indicates that most people thus far affected fell ill between June 19 and July 12, 2020, after having eaten "raw onions in freshly prepared foods including salads, sandwiches, wraps, salsas, and dips." The CDC has traced many of these cases back to Thomson's International's red onions. These, however, may have come into contact with white, yellow, or sweet yellow onions while being grown and harvested, and other varieties may be contaminated as well.
Due to the breadth of the outbreak, the CDC recommends that you check the onions in your refrigerator. If they are a Thomson International brand, or if you cannot confirm where they come from, throw them out. The same applies to dishes you've prepared using them. Take extra precautions by sanitizing any surfaces that might have come in contact with your onions. Don't forget to double-check with restaurants and grocery stores to ensure that the onions are not from Thomson International. If these cannot confirm the source of their onions, avoid purchasing products made using them.
Finally, if you experience salmonella-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and your local health department immediately.
