Cucumbers from a Florida farm recalled for bacteria. What we know
C. A. BridgesTake a closer look at your salad. On Saturday the Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of cucumbers from a Florida farm that are being investigated for a possible connection to a current Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 141 people.
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida is recalling whole cucumbers shipped in bulk cartons from May 17th through May 21, 2024, directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 - 2.0 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long. "Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall," according to the FDA release.
The recall came after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture tested a sample and found the bacteria, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. "Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain," the FDA said. Symptoms can last from four to seven days and may cause hospitalization or death.
The FDA is testing the genome sequencing to see if the Salmonella is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak. In the FDA's list of current active investigations, an outbreak of Salmonella Africana has affected 141 people so far.
Which states are affected by the cucumber recall?
States the cucumbers were sent to include:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
What is salmonella? What are the symptoms?
"Salmonella are bacteria that make people sick," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its fact page.
Salmonella can make people ill with diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps which can last from four days up to a week. Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection, the CDC said. Most cases of Salmonella infections pass, but some people may need to be hospitalized.
Salmonella bacteria cause "about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year," the CDC said. "Food is the source for most of these illnesses."
Symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, or a headache. Call a doctor if you have:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody stools
- Prolonged vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as making very little urine, dry mouth and throat and/or dizziness when standing up
What to do if you have any of these cucumbers
The FDA said the cucumbers are unlikely to be in the marketplace, but if you suspect you may have bought them in that time period you should throw them out or return them to where you bought them for a refund. Check your local retailer to find out if they sell cucumbers from this provider.
The company's website does not list any specific retailers it may supply.
Consumers with additional questions may contact Fresh Start Produce Sales at 1-888-364-2993, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.