Looking at the calendar, you've got to wonder if this Salmonella outbreak could have come at a worse time. In a week devoted to food and cooking, an onion problem remains big.

The CDC is reporting at least 892 illnesses and 183 hospitalizations connected to the Salmonella outbreak, many from Illinois.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

Only 12 States In The U.S. Remain Untouched By The Salmonella Outbreak

Which is fine, if you live in one of the 12 states. However, if you're an Illinois resident, there should be a certain level of concern. Concern, not panic, because at this writing, the CDC says that 48 Illinoisans have been sickened thus far by the outbreak.

The CDC points out that this outbreak may not be limited to the states listed below. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.

Other states in the Midwest have these numbers of sickened citizens:

  • Wisconsin: 30
  • Iowa: 4
  • Michigan: 10
  • Indiana: 1
  • Missouri: 51
  • Minnesota: 25
  • Kentucky: 9

Texas leads the nation in people who've gotten ill from Salmonella contamination with 207, while Oklahoma is 2nd with 114. Virginia is 3rd, where they've seen 69.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

This Is A Bad Time To Be An Onion Lover In Illinois

That's not the best news, but it does sound like a good title for a country song.

Multiple companies have recalled whole yellow, red, and white onions due to potential risk of Salmonella, all of which were, according to the CDC, "supplied by ProSource Produce LLC and Keeler Family Farms and imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, between July 1, 2021, and August 31, 2021."

In addition to that, the FDA and the CDC just listed some of Green Giant Fresh's whole yellow and white onions, as well as onions in certain meal kits from EveryPlate and HelloFresh to their list of onions being recalled due to potential contamination.

If that weren't enough, the two agencies added 3 and 5-pound bags of onions from Alsum Farms & Produce Inc, Potandon Produce LLC, and Pier-C Produce imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, which were distributed between July and August to the overall recall.

Read more on the Salmonella outbreak of 2021, and how to protect yourself, by clicking here.

The 25 Very Best Small-Town Illinois Restaurants

Looking for a great meal at a small-town restaurant in Illinois? Here are 25 of the very best. 

25 Illinois Steak Joints You Need To Try Sooner Than Later

If you are anywhere between the Illinois/Wisconsin border and into the deep suburbs of Chicago, this list is for you.

More From WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM