The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and state and local partners investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg infections linked to whole, fresh onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, in cooperation with the Mexican competent authorities. As of February 2, 2022, CDC has declared this outbreak over.

As a result of this outbreak, the FDA initiated onsite domestic investigations as well as Foreign Supplier Verification Program inspections of domestic firms who imported onions from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico.

While the outbreak has ended, FDA continues to work closely with Mexican competent authorities through the established Food Safety Partnership to investigate potential source(s) of contamination within the implicated region and to proactively implement prevention strategies ahead of the next growing season. FDA also intends to consider using additional tools, such as import screening and sampling, for onions grown and harvested in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico during the next growing season.

For more information, read FDA’s outbreak investigation update: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-oranienburg-whole-fresh-onions-october-2021