Cucumbers in 14 States Including Tennessee Recalled

Cucumbers shipped to 14 states, including Tennessee have been recalled due to the potential of Salmonella contamination.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a harmful bacteria that can lead to severe infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Even healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which can be bloody), and abdominal pain if exposed to Salmonella.

Salmonella Symptom Onset

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms can begin anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria and in rare cases, can spread to the bloodstream, causing more critical conditions like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

Get our free mobile app

Most people with Salmonella infection have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. However, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection and others experience symptoms for several weeks. Salmonella strains sometimes cause infection in urine, blood, bones, joints, or the nervous system (spinal fluid and brain), and can cause severe disease. - CDC

Canva

How is Salmonella Spread?

The Food and Drug Administration explains that there are a number of ways that salmonella can be spread including consuming undercooked food, improper food handling, and improper hand washing.

Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Salmonella can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps, and when people eat raw or undercooked foods. Salmonella can also spread from animals to people. People who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles, can spread the bacteria from the animals to food if they do not practice proper hand washing hygiene before handling food. Pets can also spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella. - FDA

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. Product Recall

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. is the Delray, Florida company that is recalling fresh cucumbers that were shipped to 14 states between May 17th and May 21st, 2024. It is believed that the cucumbers may potentially be contaminated with Salmonella. The cucumbers were shipped directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in the following states:

Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Maryland
North Carolina
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia

The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria. The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation.

The FDA says that it is unlikely that these cucumbers made it into the marketplace. However, anyone who may have the affected produce in their home should not consume it. Instead , it should be thrown away or destroyed. You may also return it to the original place of purchase for a refund. Shoppers should check with their respective retailer to determine if the recalled cucumbers were sold there. Anyone with additional questions may contact the company directly my calling 1-888-364-2993, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am—5:00 pm EDT.

[SOURCE: FDA]