Why You Should Check Your Green Onions ASAP: A Major Recall Due to Salmonella

If you’re like me, green onions are probably a fridge staple, adding that perfect burst of flavor to salads, soups, or scrambled eggs. But if you’ve recently bought green onions from Trader Joe’s or another store, there’s a warning you should know about. On October 18, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall on a batch of green onions distributed by Church Brothers Farms after a sample tested positive for salmonella. This isn’t just any casual recall; it’s a response to a serious contamination risk detected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which could affect consumers across several states.

This recall affects over a thousand cases of green onions shipped to eleven states, including Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. If you’re unsure whether your green onions are affected, keep reading to learn what to look for, what to do if you have them, and why this matters.

Which Green Onions Are Involved?

If you think your green onions might be part of this recall, check the package details carefully. The recall involves a few brands and specific packaging:

• Trader Joe’s Green Onions: The affected products are labeled as “Iceless,” in 24-count, 6 oz bags, imported from Mexico. Look for the lot code CB272378 and the pack date “092524.”
• Church Brothers Green Onions: Also packaged in Mexico, these iceless green onions are sold in 4-count, 2 lb bags. The lot code on these is the same, CB272378.
• Imperial Fresh Green Onions: Similarly packaged, these come in 4-count, 2 lb bags with the same lot code (CB272378).

These green onions were sent to both retail and food service outlets, so it’s not just grocery shoppers who may be affected. Any of these might still be sitting in refrigerators across the country, so make sure to double-check if you’ve bought green onions recently.

The Salmonella Factor: Why You Should Care

Salmonella is a bacteria associated with foodborne illnesses, and it can show up in raw foods like eggs, meat, poultry, and vegetables. Eating contaminated food can lead to various symptoms, including fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. While most healthy adults can recover from salmonella in about a week, it’s no walk in the park – symptoms can be intense, uncomfortable, and dehydrating.

The risk is especially high for young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems, for whom salmonella can pose serious and even life-threatening complications. When the bacteria spread beyond the intestines, it can affect other organs, requiring hospitalization.

Why Did This Recall Happen?

The recall was issued after a random sample of green onions from Church Brothers Farms tested positive for salmonella. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency detected it, and the FDA was alerted. In response, Church Brothers Farms cooperated with the FDA to announce the recall and warn customers across North America.

To date, there haven’t been any reports of illnesses linked to these green onions, but the recall is a necessary step to protect consumers. Foodborne illness outbreaks have lasting consequences, and a proactive recall can prevent many people from getting sick.

What Should You Do If You’ve Bought These Green Onions?

If you think your green onions might be affected, here’s what to do:

1. Check the Package: Look on the packaging for the lot code CB272378. If it matches, you have one of the recalled products.
2. Safely Dispose of the Product: Don’t eat them! Place the recalled green onions in a sealed bag and dispose of them to prevent any accidental use.
3. Return or Contact the Store: Stores like Trader Joe’s often provide refunds on recalled items. If you have your receipt, you might be able to get a full refund for the green onions.

How to Stay Informed on Food Safety Recalls

It’s easy to brush off food recalls as something that "never happens to me." But staying informed can save you from potential health risks. Consider signing up for alerts from the FDA or following food safety websites. These alerts can give you early warnings about any potential recalls and help you make safe choices. And if you or someone in your family eats a recalled product, knowing the symptoms to look for can make a big difference.

In a world where recalls seem more frequent, it's tempting to ignore them, but it’s important to pay attention. Products often stay on shelves and in homes for days or even weeks after a recall, so don’t hesitate to check your fridge or pantry if you hear about one.

Why Food Safety Practices Are Essential

While it’s disappointing to toss out food you were planning to use, it’s worth it for the peace of mind. This recall serves as a good reminder to always follow food safety practices:

• Proper Storage: Keep your fridge clean and organized to avoid cross-contamination.
• Regular Temperature Checks: Ensure perishable items are stored at safe temperatures.
• Wash Produce Thoroughly: Even if produce is “ready to eat,” washing it again can reduce your risk.
• Sanitize Surfaces: Foodborne bacteria can transfer from cutting boards, countertops, and utensils to your food.

Taking these steps can significantly lower your risk of foodborne illness, whether you’re dealing with a recall or not.

What Happens Next?

The FDA and other food safety organizations will continue monitoring the recall, and further updates will be provided if necessary. In the meantime, double-check any green onions you have in the fridge and make sure they’re not from the affected lot. If they are, disposing of them is the safest move, and you may also be able to get a refund.

Recalls like these highlight the importance of transparency and safety in our food systems. While it can feel frustrating to toss out a product you intended to use, think of it as a small inconvenience compared to the risk of salmonella. The good news? Staying informed and following safety guidelines can make it much easier to handle situations like these.

So next time you’re shopping for fresh produce, remember that food recalls are part of a larger system designed to protect consumers. When you’re aware of these warnings, you have the tools to make informed decisions, keep yourself safe, and continue enjoying your favorite foods without worry.