Salmonella in onions found in Tri-Cities area. 25 people infected in WA state

The nationwide outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning linked to onions has reached the Tri-Cities area.

The Washington state Department of Health reports 25 known cases in the state of people infected with the Salmonella Newport strain linked to onions sold by Thomson International Inc.

They include one case in Benton County and a case in each Walla Walla, Yakima and Spokane counties.

Thomson International has issued a voluntary recall of onions it shipped since May 1.

They were sold in cartons and mesh sacks ranging from two to 50 pounds under the following brand names: Thomson Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, Hartley’s Best, Onions 52, Majestic, Imperial Fresh, Kroger, Utah Onions, and Food Lion.

Red, white, yellow and sweet onions could be contaminated, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Recalled onions or any onions that purchasers don’t know where they came from should be thrown away, according to the Department of Health. Any surfaces the onions touched should be disinfected.

The illness caused by Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, chills, stomach discomfort, vomiting and in some cases bloodstream infections.

Nationally 640 people have been infected in 43 states in the outbreak.