Last Updated on November 24, 2021
One of the onion batches affected by the 2020 recall.
EDITOR’S NOTE (11/24/21): In October and November 2021 the FDA announced a salmonella investigation into onions sourced from ProSource, Inc. and Keeler Family Farms regarding onions imported from Mexico. Aldi has not yet commented, and it’s not clear if any Aldi stores sell ProSource onions. You can read more on the FDA website, including the names of onions affected. This post is about a 2020 recall from a different country and region.
On July 31, 2020, the FDA and CDC issued an outbreak investigation over onions grown by Thomson International of Bakersfield, California. The outbreak involves reports of Salmonella Newport, a specific strain of salmonella. The investigation, conducted in coordination with Canadian authorities, has singled out Thomson’s red onions in both the United States and Canada as the culprits, which to date have sickened around 400 people in the U.S. and another 115 in Canada.
The recall, however, is not limited to red onions. According to the FDA:
Thomson International, Inc. has notified FDA that it will be recalling all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions, due to the risk of cross-contamination. This recall would include red, white, yellow, and sweet onions from Thomson International, Inc.
A number of retailers are affected, including Food Lion, Kroger, and Walmart, and include both onions as well as certain prepared salads.
Aldi is one of the sellers of Thomson onions through the distributor Onions 52. For that reason, Aldi has issued a recall of select sweet, red, white, and yellow onions. The UPC codes and states affected are listed in the Aldi recall press release below. Customers are advised to either throw out the onions or return them to Aldi for a full refund.
While cooking foods can kill salmonella, health experts strongly advise not eating recalled food, even if the food has been cooked or cleaned.
ALDI Voluntarily Recalls Assorted Onions from Onions 52 Due to Possible
Salmonella Newport Contamination
Batavia, Ill. (July 31, 2020) – In partnership with Onions 52, ALDI has voluntarily recalled assorted onions as a precautionary measure due to possible Salmonella Newport contamination.
ALDI has removed all red, white and yellow onions from select ALDI stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The company also removed sweet onions from select stores in Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. The items were also available for purchase through the company’s partnership with Instacart, a grocery delivery service.
The affected products and UPC codes can be found below:
ALDI takes the safety and integrity of the products it sells seriously. If customers have product affected by this voluntary recall, they should discard it immediately or return it to their local store for a full refund. Consumers with additional questions can contact Onions 52 Customer Service at 801-200-1330. ALDI sincerely regrets any inconvenience and concern this voluntary recall may cause.
About ALDI U.S.
One of America’s fastest growing retailers, ALDI operates nearly 2,000 stores across 36 states. Since 1976, ALDI has offered a unique shopping experience that is designed to save customers money on the groceries they want most while never having to compromise on quality or selection. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.
Can you clarify something for me please regarding the onion recall. The yellow onions I bought from Aldi a few weeks ago, as well as the onions I saw in the store today, have the same SKU number as the recalled one in the above article. I live in NJ though snd the recall does not list NJ. The store manager told me that the oniobs they are selling (with the recalled SKU) are fine but I hesitate to buy them. Thank you
Good question. At first glance, it would seem you’re not on the list. (It’s possible your state was serviced from a different farm — Onions 52 uses more than one source.) If in doubt, you can always ask Aldi: http://www.aldireviewer.com/contact-aldi/
Hi ibuy 5 bags of yellow onions and 1 bag of red onions from strongsville oh aldi on 2nd of August UPC is same what is listed for contaminated onion I am very confused oh is not listed what to do?I use one bag
It’s possible that your onions were sourced from a different location. as far as I know the only onions currently under the recall are the ones that are listed. You could check the FDA site to see if there is any updated information.
Same problem – I did get food poisoned with symptoms starring Aug 2, 2020. I looked up my Aldis onions distributed by Onion boy in Shelby OH. I wrote to them with no response asking where did these onions come from? The barcode is 3338360002 Yellow Onions.
I have both sweet and red onions purchased at the Leland N C Aldi. Dumped them in my produce basket…so don’t have labels. Would the ca s register receipt tell me any important informat ion?
I was wondering if and when is it safe to purchase onions from the stores again?
Stores should have removed the potentially contaminated onions, so it should be safe to purchase onions again.