While we might expect to be frightened on Halloween when children in scary costumes appear at our door, this year there are several food recalls that add to the excitement of the season.

Italian-style salame recalled due to Salmonella contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a notice to consumers not to consume Citterio Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks sold at Trader Joe’s and other grocery stores due to contamination with Salmonella. At least 20 cases of salmonellosis in 8 states are linked to this recall.  This outbreak comes on the heals of a nationwide outbreak in September involving 40 illnesses and 12 hospitalizations in 17 states. The previous outbreak was lined to prepackaged, uncured antipasto trays.

What you should do:

• Do not eat Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks with any best-by date. Throw them away.
• Wash items and containers that may have touched the product using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
    • Not peeing much
    • Dry mouth and throat
    • Feeling dizzy when standing up

Fresh, whole onions recalled nationwide due to Salmonella contamination. Over 800 cases of salmonellosis nationwide are tied to a nationwide recalls of fresh, whole onions imported from Mexico. Cases have been reported in 38 states, including Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Onions were imported by ProSource Produce LLC and Keeler Family Farms and involve red, yellow and white onions imported from Mexico between July 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021.

Onions may last up to three months if stored in a cool, dry place. Restaurants, retailers, and consumers who suspect having purchased such onions may still have them in storage and should not eat, sell, or serve them, and should throw them out. Several companies who may have used these onions in processed food, including HelloFresh and EveryPlate, have also issued recalls.

FDA recommends that anyone who received or suspects having received recalled onions use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. This includes cleaning and sanitizing cutting boards, slicers, countertops, refrigerators, displays, and storage bins.

What you should do:

• Do not buy or eat any recalled onions. If you can’t tell where the onions are from, don’t buy or eat them.
• Throw away any recalled onions.
  • Check to see if you have any recalled onions. If you have any recalled onions or if you can’t tell where your onions are from, don’t eat them. Throw them away.
  • Wash surfaces and containers these onions may have touched using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.