A Spokane WA firm, Spokane Produce, Inc. is recalling salsa products containing onions. This recall is the result of Spokane Produce, Inc. onion supplier Thomson International, Inc.’s expanded recall. The recall was initiated because of concern that the onions are contaminated with Salmonella.

Aug. 2, Thomson International Inc. recalled all of its onions regardless of color, from all 50 states.  Similar to recall in Canada, the U.S. recall is because of links to a Salmonella Newport outbreak that has sickened a total of 640 people across 43 states. 85 of those people have been hospitalized.

As of Aug. 7, 2020, there have been 239 confirmed cases of Salmonella Newport illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (67), Alberta (149), Saskatchewan (5), Manitoba (13), ontario (3), Quebec (1) and Prince Edward Island (1).

The total case count stands at 879.

The salsa products were distributed to retailers in the following states — ID, MT, OR, and WA.

The Spokane Produce, Inc. products subject to the recall are listed below:

Spokane Produce, Inc. has not received any reports of illnesses associated with these recalled items. The recalled products were distributed from 05/13/20 – 08/10/20.

Retailers have been instructed to remove any remaining products from their shelves and to dispose of any of the remaining products in their inventory.

Customers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume the products and should dispose of or return the product to the place of purchase. Consumers with further questions can contact Spokane Produce, Inc at (509) 710-8301. 

Consumers with concerns about an illness from consumption of this product should contact a healthcare provider.

about Salmonella infections

Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.