The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday  linked a salmonella outbreak across 37 states in the United States to whole red, white and yellow onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico and distributed by ProSource Inc. Hundreds have gotten sick due to the contaminated vegetable.

“These onions were sold to
restaurants and grocery stores throughout the United States. ProSource Inc. indicated
onions were last imported on August 27, but these imported onions can last up
to three months in storage and may still be in homes and businesses. Investigators are working to determine if other onions and suppliers are
linked to this outbreak,” CDC said in a statement. 

Also Read: Shrimp recall expanded across the US as Salmonella resurfaces

The agency has asked businesses to not sell or serve onions imported from Chihuahua and distributed by ProSource Inc.

CDC has urged businesses to check storage coolers and coolers for these onions.

“If you can’t tell where they are
from, throw them away. Wash and
sanitize any surfaces that may have come in contact with these onions,” CDC said.

Also Read: McCormick recalls 3 seasonings amid concerns of salmonella contamination

Salmonellosis is an infection that is caused from a called Salmonella that live in the intestinal tracts of animals, including birds. The bacteria is usually transmitted to human beings by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Every year, 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the United States.  

The symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. These symptoms start six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria.

While most people who have contracted salmonella recover without treatment after four to seven days, some people – especially kids below the age of 5, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems – may experience severe illnesses that require medical treatment.