Recall Roundup: October 22, 2021

As a consumer, you have the right to know about any defects or problems with the products you buy. When food, medicine, or consumer products are found to be contaminated, hazardous, or otherwise unsafe, they may be subject to a recall. ASK LLP keeps you up to date on the latest news about the safety and efficacy of common items we use every day. Check back often to stay informed on the most recent recalls and subscribe to our blog to get updates sent right to your inbox. If you have been injured by a recalled product, you can reach out to ASK LLP for a free case evaluation.

Current Recalls We’re Watching:

Onion Salmonella Oranienburg Recall
A widespread foodborne illness outbreak is in the news this week. On October 21, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that ProSource Produce LLC of Hailey, Idaho was voluntarily recalling whole, fresh onions shipped from Chihuahua, Mexico, between July 1, 2021, and August 31, 2021 due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall includes yellow, red, and white onions.

A second, separate recall announced on October 22, 2021 by the FDA also involves whole, raw onions. Keeler Family Farms of Deming, NM is voluntarily recalling red, yellow, and white onions that were shipped between July 1, 2021 and August 25, 2021. These onions were also imported from Chihuahua, MX. The recall announcement states, “While investigations into various potential sources of Salmonella remain ongoing, to date no onions marketed through Keeler Family Farms have tested positive for Salmonella.” The notice goes on to explain that as of the date of the recall, “no specific source of contamination or contaminated shipment has been identified, and FDA is also investigating other potential sources of contamination and has not yet reached a conclusion.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued an updated food safety alert on Thursday, October 21, 2021 that also suggests onions contaminated with Salmonella Oranienburg may be linked to Prosource Produce and Keeler Family Farms. As of the date of the alert, 652 illnesses had been reported in 37 states, with 129 people hospitalized. An investigation by the FDA, CDC, and public health officials in several states is ongoing. The CDC website has a map with geographical information about the outbreak. Consumers should check pantries and storage for these onions, which have a shelf life of around 3 months and were distributed to retailers and restaurants in all 50 states. The CDC food safety alert warns, “If you can’t tell where they are from, throw them away.”

If you can’t tell where they are from, throw them away.

CDC

The FDA announcements explain the potential risks associated with Salmonella infection: “Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, 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.”

If you or someone you love suffered from Salmonella after consuming onions, talk to an attorney about your rights.

Contaminated Room Spray
On October 22, 2021, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Walmart announced a recall of nearly 4,000 bottles of Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones. The product is a “room spray” or household perfume sold in 5-ounce glass bottles in six different scents.

According to the CPSC notice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tested a version of the product and found that it contained Burkholderia pseudomallei, a dangerous bacterium that causes melioidosis. The CDC has been investigating four cases of melioidosis in the U.S. in Kansas, Minnesota, Texas and Georgia, which include 2 deaths. The alert states that “Though the source of these four infections has not been confirmed by CDC, the bottle with the same type of bacteria was found in the home of one of the melioidosis decedents.”

Walmart has stopped sales of the aromatherapy products, which had been sold at 55 store locations and online at Walmart.com. The room spray was made in India and sold between February 2021 – October 2021. The notice advises consumers not to open the bottle or attempt to throw it away.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with melioidosis after using Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray, contact an attorney to protect your rights and discuss a potential case.