A recall has been declared across 26 states of the United States and also parts of Canada due to the potential contamination of cucumbers with salmonella and the health concerns arising out of it. This situation has again brought into focus food safety and the quantum of vigil that consumers must exercise to protect themselves from foodborne ailments.
Overview of the recall
On November 27, 2024, SunFed Produce, LLC of Arizona recalled whole cucumbers that had been distributed from October 12 through November 26. This was prompted by an FDA notification to SunFed about reports of salmonellosis that were linked to these cucumbers. The Salmonella bacteria is a serious foodborne infection that is most serious to populations considered vulnerable: infants, elderly and those with impaired immune systems.
The recalled cucumbers were distributed in bulk cardboard boxes variously labeled with the “SunFed” brand or in unmarked white boxes and black plastic crates. A sticker on these containers identifies the grower as “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.” Consumers are advised to check their cucumbers against images provided by SunFed to determine if they possess any affected products.
States affected by the recall
The recall involves cucumbers sent to virtually every state in the country. The states that are a part of the recall include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Apart from these, some cucumbers may have reached retail points outside this list, which just goes to show how extensive this recall is.
The affected provinces in Canada are:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Saskatchewan
- Ontario
These states imported the possibly contaminated cucumbers during the same period in America.
Health risks of salmonella
Foodborne salmonellosis is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. It generally begins within six hours to six days after ingestion of contaminated food, and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
These symptoms usually fade away after four to seven days in healthy individuals, but under extreme conditions, this has resulted in hospitalizations and has also caused death, particularly to a population considered to have a high risk. According to the CDC, it is estimated that every year, salmonella causes 1.3 million infections in the United States, 26,500 hospitalizations, and approximately 420 deaths annually.
Consumer guide
All consumers who may have purchased any of these recalled cucumbers, should do the following:
- Check for recalled products: Check your cucumbers against images provided by SunFed.
- Do not consume: If you have recalled cucumbers, do not eat the product. Instead the products should be disposed of properly.
- Clean surfaces: Clean any surfaces that came into contact with recalled cucumbers to avoid cross contamination.
- Contact retailers: Should you be unsure about your cucumber, contact your retailer for further help or SunFed customer care line.
- Seek medical care: If you think that you have eaten food that might be contaminated and you have symptoms, contact your health-care provider.
Consumers with any questions or complaints can contact SunFed over the phone at 888-542-5849 on Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
You may also read up on the SunFed press release on their voluntary recall of fresh cucumber here.
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