NEWS

Gills Onions Recalls One Lot-Diced Yellow Onions

(Oxnard, Calif.) – Gills Onions, LLC is recalling diced yellow onions with Lot #2017-R and a Best if used by 06/16/07.  The recall comes after the Washington State Department of Agriculture, during routine testing, detected Listeria monocytogenes in one retail bag of diced yellow onions.  Gills Onions is working with both State and Federal officials to determine the cause.  At this time there have been no reported illnesses associated with this product.

Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Anyone with these symptoms, are encouraged to contact their physician.

The identified lot 2017-R is no longer in production at Gills Onions. As a precautionary measure, both retail and food service diced packs are being recalled.  The retail product was labeled with the Trader Joe’s brand name and was distributed to stores in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington.  The Trader Joe’s brand diced onions were packaged in a 10 oz. bag with the Lot 2017-R and a best if used by date of 06/16/07.  The lot information for the 10 oz diced retail product can be found printed directly on the back of the package.  The foodservice packages were packed in 4/5 lb cartons and labeled under the Gills Onions Brand and the Sysco Natural Brand, both with the Lot 2017-R and the best-if-used by date of 06/16/07 printed directly on the front of the 5 lb bag as well as on the outside carton label.  Consumers and Retailers that have this recalled product should either destroy or return to place of purchase. 

 “Although no illnesses have been reported and only one 10 oz. retail bag of diced onions tested positive, we want to be sure that all diced products associated with the production lot are accounted for,” said Nelia Alamo, VP of Marketing.  “We are committed to food safety at all levels and we will always put our customers and our consumer first.”

Questions can be directed to the company at (800) 348-2255.