Fresh Start Produce Sales has initiated a recall of whole cucumbers shipped to over a dozen states after a sample tested positive for salmonella, according to a new report out from Fox Business.
The recall, posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming the contaminated vegetables.
According to the recall notice, the cucumbers in question were distributed from May 17 to May 21 and were shipped in bulk cartons to various retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors across 14 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The presence of salmonella in the cucumbers poses a significant threat, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
As the FDA warns, salmonella infections can lead to serious health complications and, in rare cases, even prove fatal.
The recall was prompted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s discovery of salmonella in a cucumber sample, which was promptly reported to Fresh Start Produce Sales.
In response, the company has taken swift action to notify its direct customers and urge them to remove the affected products from commerce.
Fresh Start Produce Sales issued a recall of whole cucumbers over salmonella concerns, which were shipped to 14 states from May 17 to 21. https://t.co/inid4UCBcQ
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) June 4, 2024
While the contaminated cucumbers are unlikely to still be available in stores, the company and the FDA are strongly advising consumers to exercise caution.
Anyone who may have purchased the recalled product is urged to discard it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Consumers are also encouraged to verify with their retailers whether the cucumbers they bought are part of the recall.
The FDA is currently conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if the contaminated sample is linked to an ongoing salmonella outbreak investigation.
Symptoms of salmonella illness typically manifest within 12 to 72 hours of consuming contaminated food and may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
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While most individuals recover within a week, severe cases can lead to more serious complications, such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis, if the bacteria enters the bloodstream.
