On May 31, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc., a company in Florida, initiated a bulk recall of American cucumbers shipped from May 17th to May 21st after some cucumbers tested positive for salmonella.
The recalled American cucumbers are dark green ranging from 5 to 9 inches long in which Salmonella Africana have been detected.
According to the latest report, the cucumbers were shipped to retailers and distributors in 14 states, including Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, New York, and Maryland.
Many reports link these contaminated cucumbers to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 162 people in 25 states, 54 of whom have been hospitalized, reported the CDC. However, the two salmonella outbreaks are still under investigation by the CDC and FDC, as sample analysis and detailed genome sequencing are currently underway.
FDA and CDC are collaborating with local and state agencies to conduct more testing and ensure the safe recall of the distributed batch of cucumbers within the community.
However, Fresh Start Produce has said that the cucumbers are “unlikely in the marketplace.” Still, safety precautions should be taken and the customers should check with retailers whether the recalled batch of cucumbers was sold there or not.
According to the CDC, there are almost 1.35 million cases of salmonella reported in hospitals in the US, with almost 26,000+ hospitalizations and 400+ deaths each year. Elderly people, young children and immunocompromized individuals are at more risk of food-borne salmonella infection, reports FDA.
Dr. Asrar Sheikh, an urgent care provider at Family Urgent Care, recommends taking precautionary measures, such as washing hands before eating food or after using the toilet. Also, store your food at appropriate temperatures and avoid unpasteurized foods. If you notice any concerning symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting after taking a certain food, you can consult our clinic right away.