Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc., a produce company based in Florida, has issued an urgent recall for cucumbers shipped to 14 states due to potential Salmonella contamination.
The recall, announced through a voluntary notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) website, affects cucumbers distributed between May 17 and May 21.
This recall is a critical preventive measure following the discovery of Salmonella in a sample tested in Pennsylvania.
(Photo : Mohammadreza Ghasemian on Unsplash)
Urgent Recall for Cucumbers Shipped to 14 States
The recall involves whole cucumbers shipped to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
These cucumbers are described as dark green, approximately 1.5 to 2.0 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long. Importantly, mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.
According to the company announcement, the contamination was detected when the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. that a sample tested positive for Salmonella. In response, the FDA has begun whole-genome sequencing to determine if this contamination is connected to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation.
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Health Risks of Salmonella
(Photo : National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
Salmonella Typhimurium Scanning electron micrograph of Salmonella Typhimurium invading a human epithelial cell.
Salmonella is a serious pathogen that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) symptoms of Salmonella infection, known as salmonellosis, typically include sudden onset of diarrhea (which may be bloody), abdominal cramps, and fever. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and headache, although these are less common.
The illness can lead to severe dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations, and in rare cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more serious conditions such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
The CDC estimates that non-typhoidal Salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million illnesses and 420 deaths annually in the United States. The incidence rate is about 15.2 illnesses per 100,000 individuals, with infections being more common during the summer months of June, July, and August.
Notice to the Public
(Photo : WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP via Getty Images)
An Afghan boy sells cucumbers at a market ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Kabul on March 10, 2024.
Although Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. believes the cucumbers are unlikely to still be available in stores, consumers are advised to check with their retailer or place of purchase to confirm whether they bought the recalled product.
If consumers do have the recalled cucumbers, they should not consume them. Instead, they should destroy and discard the cucumbers or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
The company has also notified its direct customers and requested the removal of the recalled cucumbers from commerce.
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