Gills Onions, a California-based produce company, has issued a voluntary recall of its fresh diced onion products due to reports of salmonella poisoning across 22 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating 73 illnesses associated with the outbreak.

In a statement posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website on Monday, Gills Onions alerted consumers that its products "have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella." The recall was initiated after the FDA informed the company that the recalled products were part of the agency's ongoing investigation into a Salmonella Thompson outbreak.

According to the CDC, the multistate salmonella outbreak has resulted in 73 reported illnesses, with 15 individuals requiring hospitalization. Out of 19 people interviewed, 14 reported consuming onions or dishes containing diced onions. Six of those affected individuals resided in long-term care facilities where Gills Onions products were served.

The recalled onion products, with use-by dates ranging from August 8, 2023, to August 28, 2023, were distributed to retail stores, restaurants, and institutions in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Gills Onions assured consumers that the recalled products are no longer available for sale in stores and urged those who may have them in their possession to discard or destroy them.

Concerned consumers who purchased the recalled products can reach out to Gills Onions via phone or online for more information.

The CDC has issued a warning to consumers, urging them to check their freezers and refrigerators for any potentially recalled onion products. Any identified products should be discarded or returned. Additionally, the agency advises washing any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled onions with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Businesses that may have purchased Gills Onions products were also cautioned against selling or serving the recalled foods.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness known as salmonellosis. The common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically appearing within hours to days after infection. While most individuals recover within a week without needing antibiotics, severe cases and those with weakened immune systems may require medical intervention.

The investigation into the salmonella outbreak is ongoing, and the CDC continues to work closely with health authorities in the affected states to prevent further illnesses and ensure public safety.