Cucumbers Recalled in 14 States Over Salmonella Concerns

Cucumbers have been recalled in 14 states amid growing concerns of salmonella contamination.

According to USA Today, the produce was transported from May 17 through May 21, 2024, to wholesalers and distributors in 14 states, and they are being recalled by Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc., located in Delray, Florida.

Consumers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia have all received the tainted cucumbers.

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. was informed of the salmonella contamination by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, who tested a sample of the product and discovered the contamination. While the FDA claims that it is highly unlikely that the contaminated cucumbers made it to supermarket shelves, customers are urged to check with their local grocer to see if they have been affected.

The tainted cucumbers are just the latest items to be recalled over salmonella concerns.

Due to the possibility of gram-negative bacterial contamination, Hy-Vee voluntarily recalled its private-label cream cheese spread and its private-label cookies and cream mix last month. ALDI also recalled four varieties of cream cheese due to a possible salmonella risk just one week later.

“Salmonella” is the name of both the bacteria that causes gastroenteritis and the typical illness that patients get when they have diarrhea and stomachaches. In the United States, this is the most typical type of bacterial food poisoning, according to Cleveland Clinic.

To distinguish it from other diseases like typhoid fever that can be contracted from various strains of the salmonella bacteria, it is sometimes known as salmonellosis.

Animals, especially birds, have intestinal tracts that are home to salmonella. Humans typically contract salmonella from eating meals tainted with animal waste. According to the FDA, “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that each year in the U.S., there are about 1.35 million cases of salmonellosis, with 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.”

While salmonella is rarely fatal, it can be excessively detrimental to infants, the immunocompromised, and the elderly. Those who suspect they have been infected with salmonella are urged to see a doctor to determine the best course of action.

There has been no indication of where the Fresh Start Produce Sales cucumbers were tainted with salmonella.