Onion Recall Spreads Across Country, 100 Diff. Foods Affected

Listeria concerns have prompted a massive recall of products that include onions processed by Gills Onions. The recall initially was limited to several Trader Joe's products, but has now grown to include a substantial list of prepared foods.

The recall is only precautionary and no sickness has been reported, according to the company.

Still, the issue of contaminated food is big and listeria is no joke. It can cause serious illness, especially for people who are more vulnerable to it.

Listeriosis, the infection caused by listeria bacteria, is especially dangerous for children, pregnant women, the elderly, and others with compromised immune systems, reports Huffington Post.

The recall was voluntary but the FDA is very strict about a company's responsibility when a recall is necessary.

Whenever a food processor realizes through testing that a food may be contaminated they're required to thoroughly investigate. If there is a possibility that the contamination affects the production line a company is expected to issue a recall.

Even if the company does not catch the contamination outbreaks of illnesses can lead the FDA to request or order that a company recall affected products.

Because onions are often used in different prepared foods, this recall affects a large number of products. The company has recalled all onions with a use-by date of August 3 that were shipped to a long list of states.

Consumers in California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Washington should carefully check their shelves for any products involved in the recall.

If you think you or a family member have been affected by the contamination, talk to a lawyer about your legal options.

Listeria can cause significant harm but luckily it appears Gills Onions caught the potential contaminant before anyone got sick. That keeps customers safe while reducing corporate liability.

Related Resources:

• Onion recall expands to multiple products, states (Fox News)
• Guacamole and Salsa High Food Poisoning Risk (FindLaw's Common Law)
• What to Do After Food Poisoning (FindLaw's Injured)