A produce company is issuing a recall for cucumbers that were distributed to 14 states due to potential salmonella contamination.
In a notification published on the Food and Drug Administration’s website, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. based in Delray, Florida, announced the recall after a sample tested by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture showed positive for salmonella bacteria.
The FDA is currently conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if the sample is linked to an ongoing salmonella outbreak investigation.
Bulk cartons of the cucumbers were distributed to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors between May 17 and May 21. The FDA mentioned that it is “unlikely” for the recalled cucumbers to still be in the “marketplace”, but consumers in the 14 affected states are advised to check with their retailer to confirm if the recalled cucumbers were sold in their area.
The states that received the cucumber cartons include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can lead to severe and sometimes fatal infections, especially in infants, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems. While most people recover from the infection within a week without antibiotics, symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
In rare cases, a salmonella infection can enter the bloodstream and result in arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, and other serious illnesses. Annually, salmonella causes 420 deaths and 26,500 hospitalizations out of 1.35 million reported cases, according to the FDA.
