Green onion recall

Another week, another produce recall.

Iceless green onions have been voluntarily recalled by two California-based produce shipping companies after testing positive for traces of salmonella during a routine U.S. Department of Agriculture test.

Both Steinbeck Country Produce and Ocean Mist Farms have recalled specific product lots that originated with an onion farm in Mexicali, Mexico, and were supplied by Circle Produce in Calexico, California.

Steinbeck, which recalled 3,360 cartons, distributes to Missouri and Kansas. According to the Associated Press, Ocean Mist “wouldn’t say where its onions were distributed,” but has recalled 1,746 cases. 

In a press release on the recall, Ocean Mist president Ed Boutonnet suggests that inspections are improving food safety:

“We’re seeing more inspections by regulators throughout the industry, which is good. It’s having a positive effect in ensuring food safety and through our systems at Ocean Mist Farms, we’re able to trace back and quickly recall product.”

While no illnesses have been reported, consumers are advised to destroy iceless green onions purchased in the last month under either the Ocean Mist label (lot code 95ONCP7G) or Steinbeck’s Nature’s Reward brand (lot code 96CPGO07 or 9CPO937). Further information on the pack styles and code dates is here.
 
The symptoms of salmonella are fairly awful: fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In other words, you will know in short order that you’re infected. The young, sick and elderly are most at risk.

But as to Mr. Boutonnet’s assertion that we’re getting better at food safety, the massive recalls of peanut butter, pistachios, spinach and tomatoes in the past year would suggest otherwise.

[Image via Flickr: Robert Couse-Baker]