Salmonella Prompts Green Onion Recall

Potentially Salmonella-tainted green onions are being recalled by California-based NewStar Fresh Foods. The affected green onions were sold under the brand names Omo and Fu Choy.

Although it is likely that the jumbo green onions are now beyond their usable life, NewStar Fresh Foods said the recall is being issued out of an abundance of caution for in the possible event some consumers might have purchased the green onions and still have the product in their home refrigerators.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstance, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

This green onion recall involves 772 cartons of iced jumbo green onions. The product is packaged in a 48-count iced carton, item numbers 02487403 and 02487452, product lot numbers 40550707 and 40510707, with production dates of July 20th and July 21st 2009.

According to the recall notice, the recalled Omo and Fu Choy green onions were distributed from three locations: R.A.M. Produce Distributors of Detroit, Michigan, Franzella Distributing of San Francisco, CA, and United Food Service of East Point, GA. Fifty-eight cartons were shipped from two distributors to small grocery outlets in the Detroit and San Francisco areas. Consumers in California may have purchased the product from Larry’s Produce in Fairfield, La Loma Produce, Good Life Grocery and El Grande, all San Francisco, and Valley Produce & Meat Market, San Pablo. Consumers in Michigan may have purchased the product from Confers Supermarket in New Lothrop, Ryan’s Food in Detroit, Brothers Supermarket and Al Jazeera Market in Dearborn and Sahara Market in Warren.

Customers who have purchased the jumbo green onions are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact NewStar Fresh Foods at 1-831-758-7810.