Cucumbers recalled in several US states: could they have salmonella and how can you know?
The Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall of cucumbers potentially related to a salmonella outbreak, and warned consumers not to eat them.
If you bought cucumbers last month, it is advisable to check if they are part of a recall announced by the FDA.
The Food and Drug Administration says the recall involves cucumbers that could potentially be contaminated with salmonella.
The withdrawal of the product was sparked by a test conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on cucumbers shipped by Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc., which turned out positive for salmonella.
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Cucumbers recalled in several US states: could they have salmonella and how can you know?
The company based in Delray, Florida is recalling products that were sent out to wholesalers and distributors from May 17 to May 21, 2024.
The affected cucumbers are dark green, around five to nine inches long and 1.5 to two inches in diameter. English and mini cucumbers are not part of the recall.
Investigation on links to salmonella outbreak
The Food and Drug Administration is currently looking into a rash of salmonella infections that have affected at least 141 people.
“The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria, according to an FDA notice.
“The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing salmonella outbreak investigation.”
The exact cause of the infections has not yet been determined, nor their connection to particular foods, but consumers are urged to check if they have bought cucumbers in shops involved in the recall. The FDA assures that the items are not likely to have reached grocery stores.
These are the states which received cucumber shipments from Fresh Start Produce:
| STATES AFFECTED BY RECALL |
|---|
| Alabama |
| Florida |
| Georgia |
| Illinois |
| Maryland |
| North Carolina |
| New Jersey |
| New York |
| Ohio |
| Pennsylvania |
| South Carolina |
| Tennessee |
| Virginia |
| West Virginia |
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The Florida company has already informed the distributors to whom they sent the cucumbers directly of the recall, and asked them to pull out the products from their shelves. It has also requested its direct customers to in turn inform their clients of the recall. If you have further questions regarding the matter, you may call Fresh Start Produce at 888-364-2993.