Recently, Church Brothers, LLC, also known as Church Brothers Farms, announced a recall of more than 1,200 cases of green onions. The reason? Potential contamination with salmonella, a bacteria that can cause severe illness and even life-threatening food poisoning.
If you’ve recently bought green onions, especially from specific brands, checking if your purchase is part of this recall is essential. Let’s dive into the details.
Why Are Green Onions Being Recalled?
The recall involves 1,271 cases of green onions distributed across 11 U.S. states, including popular grocery chains like Trader Joe’s.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is a concern that these vegetables might be contaminated with salmonella.
Salmonella can cause serious infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
In rare cases, the disease can spread to the bloodstream, leading to more severe complications like arterial infections or arthritis.
Where Were the Affected Green Onions Distributed?
The green onions in question were sold in several states across the U.S., including:
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
The onions were also distributed in Canada under the brand name Imperial Fresh. Whether in the U.S. or Canada, it is crucial to check if the green onions you bought are affected by the recall.
How to Identify the Recalled Green Onions
Here’s how to check the packaging and product details to determine whether the green onions in your kitchen are part of the recall.
1. Church Brothers Brand
- Description: Green Onions Iceless 4x2lb Reg Church Brothers Mexico
- Lot Code: CB272378 (found on the front of the bag)
- Packaging: Clear bag
2. Trader Joe’s Brand
- Description: Green Onion Iceless 24x6oz Reg Trader Joe’s Mexico
- Lot Code: CB272378 (check the back of the bag, with a pack date label of 092524)
- Packaging: Branded retail bag
3. Imperial Fresh Brand (Canada)
- Description: Green Onion Iceless 4x2lb Reg
- Lot Code: CB272378 (located on the front of the bag)
- Packaging: Clear bag
If your green onions match these descriptions and lot codes, they are likely part of the recall. It’s essential to act quickly to protect your health and your family’s health.
What to Do If You’ve Purchased the Recalled Green Onions
If you discover that you’ve bought any of these recalled green onions, do not consume them. You have two options:
- Throw them away – To avoid any risk of illness, discard the green onions immediately.
- Return them to the store—You can also return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or exchange. Most stores are well aware of the recall and will gladly assist you in returning the product.
What to Do If You’ve Already Eaten the Green Onions
If you’ve already consumed the green onions and feel fine, there’s no need to panic. However, keep an eye out for any symptoms of salmonella infection, such as:
- Fever
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
Symptoms can appear from six hours to six days after consuming the contaminated food. In most cases, the infection resolves on its own within a week.
However, if symptoms are severe, especially if you experience high fever, prolonged vomiting, or signs of dehydration, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately.
How to Get More Information
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Church Brothers Farms through their Consumer Hotline at 1-877-590-0428. The hotline is available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST. You can also reach them by email at consumerinfo@churchbrothers.com.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information page for further details about salmonella and how to stay safe. This page offers valuable information about symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips.
How to Protect Yourself from Salmonella Contamination
While this recall explicitly affects green onions, salmonella can be found in various foods, including meats, poultry, eggs, and fruits and vegetables. To minimize your risk of getting sick, consider the following food safety tips:
- Wash your hands – Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling food, especially raw vegetables and meats.
- Clean your produce – Even if produce is labeled “pre-washed,” it’s still a good idea to rinse it under running water before eating.
- Cook food thoroughly – Heat kills bacteria like salmonella. Ensure you cook your food to the recommended temperature to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid cross-contamination – Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods to prevent harmful bacteria from spreading.
- Refrigerate perishable items – Store foods like green onions, meats, and eggs in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria from multiplying.
Conclusion
Food recalls like this are essential reminders of food safety and staying vigilant about what we bring into our homes. If you’ve purchased any green onions recently, take a moment to check the packaging and ensure that they are not part of the recall.
You can protect yourself and your family from potential health risks by staying informed and taking quick action.
If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the hotline or visit the CDC’s page for more detailed information on salmonella.
READ MORE: A New Twizzlers Holiday Shape We Can’t Wait to Try