A cucumber recall is causing quite the stir across the United States, impacting 26 states and even reaching five provinces in Canada. The alert came from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), citing concerns over potential salmonella contamination found in whole fresh cucumbers distributed by Arizona-based SunFed Produce, LLC. These cucumbers wore labels boasting the familiar name "SunFed" and also appeared packaged in plain white boxes or plastic black crates. They were sold during the period between October 12 and November 26, 2024.
What prompted this recall? The FDA's involvement started when reported cases of salmonellosis illness were associated with these cucumbers. Though the precise number of affected individuals has not been disclosed yet, it’s clear something has gone awry. Thankfully, the FDA confirmed no deaths have been reported so far related to this issue.
For those who purchased these cucumbers, the FDA has laid out some advice. The agency recommends thoroughly checking your kitchen for any cucumbers acquired during the indicated time frame. If you have them, it’s best to discard them right away and clean any surfaces they may have touched to prevent cross-contamination. If you’re unsure whether your cucumbers are part of this recall, reaching out to your retailer might be helpful, or you can contact the SunFed recall hotline at 888-542-5849, available Monday through Friday.
To put it simply, salmonella is no joke. Described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as bacteria thriving well enough to make folks sick, salmonella infections can lead to nausea, abdominal cramps, and fever, peaking within six hours to six days after exposure. While many recover without needing medical care, there are instances where hospitalization becomes necessary. According to the CDC, approximately 1.35 million salmonella infections occur each year, along with around 420 fatalities—mostly from contaminated food.
So which states are affected? Alongside North Carolina, the list of states with recalled cucumbers includes major regions like California, Texas, Florida, and New York, to name just a few. Even Canadian provinces are not spared, as British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, among others, have also seen the crossing of these potentially tainted cucumbers.
But the cucumber problem doesn't stop at sun-kissed produce. A related recall has emerged from Baloian Farms, which also flagged concerns about cucumbers supplied to their Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kit. The meal kits had included tzatziki sauce made with the affected cucumbers, forcing another round of recalls. Fresh Creative Foods, responsible for distribution, has since halted using cucumbers from the supplier implicated here.
Consumers who purchased these Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kits, indicated by the UPC code 0-13454-38313 and with use-by dates between December 24, 2024, and January 6, 2025, should refrain from consumption. Returning them for full refunds at any Sam's Club is recommended.
This unexpected cucumber crisis is sending waves through grocery aisles—not just for giant retailers like Walmart and Costco but smaller businesses too, reaching even Albertsons and Safeway stores across numerous states.
Focus on the fact: this might not be the last of the warnings. The FDA indicates the outbreak could well extend beyond reported illnesses, with the real number of affected individuals likely being much greater than what is logged. It’s always wise to stay alert, double-check labels, and—most critically—take action if you suspect any involvement with the cucumbers mentioned.
All those who may feel unwell after contact with the recalled product are urged to touch base with healthcare providers for advice. Keeping health risk behaviors at bay is everyone’s responsibility, especially when it involves food, the primary source of salmonella infections.
Stay safe, stay informed, and keep the cucumbers off your plates—for now at least.