The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Saturday announced the recall of certain fresh, whole cucumbers that may be contaminated with salmonella.
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Fla., is voluntarily recalling whole cucumbers shipped in bulk cartons from from May 17 through May 21 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 Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture notified the company that a sample tested positive the bacteria, prompting the recall. The FDA said it is conducting genome sequencing to learn whether the sample is related to an ongoing salmonella outbreak.
The recalled cucumbers are approximately 1.5 – 2.0 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long. The recall does not include mini cucumbers or English cucumbers.
The FDA said the recalled cucumbers are unlikely to be in the marketplace, but consumers should check with their retailer or place of purchase to determine whether they sold the recalled cucumbers. Anyone with the recalled cucumbers should not consume them, and should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Salmonella is a potentially deadly bacterium, according to the FDA. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and headache. While most healthy people recover from salmonella infection without treatment, it can be potentially fatal for young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, the organism can get into the bloodstream and cause more serious illnesses including arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
Story via TMX