Church Brothers, LLC is recalling green onions sold at Trader Joe's and elsewhere due to potential salmonella contamination.
Green Onions Sold at Trader Joe’s and Other Stores Recalled Because of Salmonella Risk
Published on Oct. 21, 2024
Fortunately, this widespread produce recall is happening before peak Thanksgiving prep season. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on October 18 that Church Brothers Farms is voluntarily recalling 1,271 cases of green onions due to salmonella risk. These green onions were sold in 11 U.S. states at Trader Joe’s and other retailers.
What caused the green onion recall?
The affected green onions were distributed in Canada and the United States. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency detected the presence of salmonella in a sample they collected and informed the FDA. No cases of illness linked to contaminated green onions have been reported yet.
Salmonella can have a range of effects in humans. In the average healthy person, salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In young people, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems, the bacteria can be fatal.
What products have been recalled?
You’ll want to check your refrigerator ASAP, because contaminated green onions may be in your crisper drawer.
The green onions were distributed in the United States in the following 11 states:
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
The brands include Church Brothers, with a lot code of CB272378 (found on the front of the bag); Trader Joe’s, with a lot code of CB272378 and a pack date of 092524 (found on the back of the bag); and Imperial Fresh, lot code CB272378 (found on the front of the bag). No other products are implicated in this recall.
What should I do next?
If you have any of the products mentioned above, throw them out. Put them in the garbage outside your home where no cross-contamination can occur. You can also return the product to the retailer and request a refund, but take precautions not to expose yourself to the affected produce.
Depending on how you store green onions, you may no longer have the packaging. If that’s the case, and you recall purchasing any of the brands listed above, toss the onions to be safe. Then, sanitize your refrigerator.
If you had planned to garnish a dish with green onions this week, use chives or scallions instead.
