If you’re like me, you always have green onions in your fridge. Whether it’s on top of a fresh salad, a colorful accent to soup, they bright a flavor that can enhance most any dish. But if you’ve shopped for green onions lately, at Trader Joe’s or other stores, you might want to examine your packaging more closely. On January 1, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall on 1,271 cases of green onions sold by Church Brothers Farms. The recall was prompted by a positive test result for salmonella on a sample tested by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The recall involves green onions sold in eleven states in the United States, including Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. But if you’re worried, read on to learn what the recall entails, why it occurred and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Green Onion Products Were Recalled?
The green onions affected by this recall were distributed under a few different brands. So double-check your package details if you think yours might be included. Here are the specifics to look for:
- Trader Joe’s Green Onions: The recalled Trader Joe’s green onions are packaged as “Iceless” in 24-count, 6 oz bags from Mexico. Look for the lot code CB272378 and a pack date labeled “092524.”
- Church Brothers Green Onions: Also packaged in Mexico, these “Iceless” green onions come in 4-count, 2 lb bags. They are labeled with lot code CB272378 on the front of the bag.
- Imperial Fresh Green Onions: Packaged similarly to the Church Brothers brand, these green onions are also in 4-count, 2 lb clear bags. The same lot code (CB272378) is printed on the front.
These green onions were distributed to both retail and food service locations, including Trader Joe’s. They could still be in fridges across these states.
What Is Salmonella and Why Is It a Concern?
Salmonella is a bacteria that is often associated with food poisoning, you’ve probably heard of it before. It is found in uncooked food like eggs, meat, poultry, and vegetables. It’s capable of giving you a variety of unpleasant symptoms if you ingest it. Salmonella infection generally causes symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. And they typically go away within about a week; but that doesn’t mean it isn’t its own level of misery. Scary.
For some, the stakes are higher. Salmonella poisoning can be serious in young children, the elderly or people who have weakened immune systems. In more serious instances, the bacteria can slip out of the intestines and spread to other parts of the body. This can cause complications for which the patient may need hospitalization.
Why Was There a Recall?
The action came after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found salmonella in a sample from Church Brothers Farms’ green onions. After the positive result was determined, Church Brothers Farms cooperated with the FDA to issue the recall. They notified consumers throughout North America.
For now, as of Oct. 18, nobody has reported getting sick from these green onions. This recall is a prudential and consumer protection measure. It is taken to ensure the safety of any consumer who may have purchased the affected products. Food poisoning outbreaks can be devastating. This type of proactive recall can actually prevent an outbreak before it happens.
What to Do if You Purchased These Green Onions
If you suspect you have one of these recalled green onions in your kitchen, here’s what to do:
Verify the Packaging and Lot Code: Refer to the lot code CB272378 on the packaging. If there’s a match, this is a recalled product.
Dispose of Product: The FDA is recommending that consumers not eat the recalled green onions. Rather, responsibly dispose of them by securing them in a bag so they are not used accidentally. It can feel like a waste, but it’s the best way to ensure you’re not taking any health risks when it comes to salmonella.
Return or Call the Store: Some stores like Trader Joe’s, for example, will provide a refund on recalled products. If you have a receipt, it’s possible you can return the green onions for a full refund.
Staying Safe with Food Recalls
There are many other ways you can keep up on news about food safety issues like this recall. Signing up for updates from the FDA or various food safety websites can help. These alerts can let you know about possible recalls early and help you make safe choices. Knowing what symptoms to keep an eye on when it comes to foodborne illnesses such as salmonella can be invaluable. Should you suffer stomach pain, fever or other symptoms, fire off an email to a health professional.
It typically takes days or even weeks before contaminated products are taken off the shelves. When a recall is announced, it’s always wise to double-check anything in your refrigerator or pantry that might be affected.
Recalls like this one highlight the importance of safe food handling practices, too. Proper storage and cooking temperatures, regular cleaning of your kitchen surfaces, are small steps. These can significantly reduce your risk of foodborne illnesses.
Take a minute to look over any green onions you’ve got in your kitchen. If your product is part of this recall, you should discard it and contact your retailer for help. Better safe than sorry is never a bad philosophy where food safety is concerned!
Want to stay ahead of the next food safety alert? Here are other foods recently linked to infectious outbreaks.
