The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of cucumbers distributed by the company Fresh Start Produce Sales, amid an outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections that has sickened at least 141 people.
Although the FDA did not provide information on the location of the patients, it explained that the company Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17 to 21, 2024, this is due to to the high possibilities that they are contaminated with Salmonella.
The product was sold in bulk in boxes to retailers, wholesalers and distributors in 14 states in the country such as: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina , Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Through an alert issued on the FDA website, it details that the recalled cucumbers are dark green, measure approximately 1.5 to 2.0 inches in diameter and 5 to 9 inches long.
They also clarify that mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.
The problem was detected by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture when analyzing a sample of the product that tested positive for Salmonella.
The FDA continues analyzes of “whole genome sequencing to determine whether this sample is related to an ongoing investigation into a Salmonella outbreak.”
What is salmonella and how does it affect health?
Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract and can cause an infectious condition in people who become contaminated.
“Salmonella bacteria generally live in the intestines of animals and humans and are passed through feces (fecal matter). The most common form of infection in humans is through contaminated water or food,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
Groups that may have serious complications from salmonella infection include young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
While healthy people infected with Salmonella may present symptoms such as: fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Following the recall of the product, the authorities consider that it is unlikely that these cucumbers will be found on the market, however, the call to consumers to avoid their consumption, destroy and throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund .
They can also verify the information with their retailer or place of purchase to determine if the recalled cucumbers were sold at the site where they purchased.
While the company Fresh Start Produce Sales notified customers who received the recalled product directly from the company and asked them to remove it from the store. It is also keeping the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed of its recall process to ensure consumers are appropriately alerted.
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