Recalled cucumbers shipped to Ohio & other states may be source of Salmonella outbreak, says FDA
Before you chop up those cucumbers for a fresh summer salad or a refreshing cucumber gimlet, you might want to take some precaution.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, cucumbers shipped from Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. in Delray, Florida have tested positive for salmonella, and could have possibly been linked to a salmonella outbreak. These cucumbers were shipped to Ohio and 13 other states.
The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons from May 17th through May 21st, directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors. They’re 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 Food Safety News and the FDA, an outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections have sickened at least 141 people, and the FDA is currently investigating if the outbreak and the cucumber contamination is related. The agency has not yet reported where infected people live.
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Other states included in the recall include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The FDA encourages anyone to not consume cucumbers if they think they could be contaminated, and to ask for a refund if you recently bought them. They said that although it’s rare to have a contaminated batch of cucumbers, consumers can check with their retailer or place of purchase to determine whether the recalled cucumbers were sold where they specifically shop.
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Food Safety News says that food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone who has eaten cucumbers and developed symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and a fever within 12-72 hours after eating should seek medical attention. Salmonella is contagious – some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others through improper hand-washing and food handling.
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