The recall impacts fresh onions imported from a farm in Chihuahua, Mexico.

If you have some onions in your kitchen or pantry, you might want to toss them in the trash. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have launched an investigation into an outbreak of salmonella involving fresh, raw onions. The outbreak has sickened more than 650 people in 37 states, with 129 requiring hospitalization. The inquiry by the two agencies has traced the infection back to a family farm based in Chihuahua, Mexico.

The company that imported the onions, ProSource Produce LLC, has issued a voluntary recall on all red, white, and yellow fresh onions originating from Keeler Family Farms with import dates ranging from July 1 to August 27. The onions were originally sold in 25- and 50-pound bags with a label that reads “MVP (product of MX)”.

“We are issuing this update early in our investigation as part of our continued commitment to transparency and early communication," said Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response. “We will provide updates as we learn more during our continuing traceback investigation, especially if there are any updates to this critical public health advice.”

Courtesy of CDC

Because fresh onions are mostly sold in bulk without significant packaging details, the FDA is recommending consumers throw away onions where the origin is unknown. ProSource is also warning consumers that other types of onions could be involved in the outbreak. Restaurants and vendors that purchased onions can contact Keeler Family Farms at 575-652-5405, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

In addition to checking the kitchen and pantry, consumers should ask restaurants if the onions being served are part of the recall or sourced from Chihuahua, Mexico. Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, rash, and blood in the urine or stool. Severe sickness can lead to hospitalization and death. If you get sick after eating an onion, be sure to contact your health provider or visit a healthcare facility.