Recent reports have confirmed a widespread recall of whole cucumbers linked to Salmonella contamination, impacting 26 states across the U.S. and parts of Canada. The outbreak has already sickened 68 individuals, with 18 of them requiring hospitalization. The cucumbers involved are traced back to Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. based in Sonora, Mexico, which supplied the produce to SunFed Produce, LLC, the Arizona-based company now coordinating the recall.
The initial announcement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detailed the epidemiological findings, indicating how cucumbers from this specific grower might be the source of the illnesses. "Epidemiologic and traceback information shows these cucumbers may be contaminated with salmonella and may be making people sick," noted the CDC.
SunFed Produce's recall spans cucumbers sold between October 12 and November 26. The products were distributed under various labels, primarily packaged in bulk cardboard boxes marked with the SunFed brand, but also found in generic white containers and black crates. States affected include Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, and many others.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for these cucumbers, particularly if they purchased them from major grocery retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Wegmans. The FDA has advised anyone who has these products at home to discard them and thoroughly clean any surfaces they may have come in contact with.
Salmonella is known to cause gastrointestinal illnesses, commonly referred to as salmonellosis. Symptoms usually manifest between six hours to six days after infection, and include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, lasting four to seven days. While many suffer mild discomfort, the infection poses significant risks for vulnerable populations—infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—who may experience more severe illness.
This outbreak isn't isolated; it marks yet another incident linked to cucumber contamination this year. Earlier instances reportedly resulted in over 500 individuals falling ill across several states, spotlighting the need for stricter food safety measures.
Craig Slate, President of SunFed, stated, "We are committed to protecting consumers and are collaborating closely with authorities and the implicated ranch to determine the root of the contamination. Food safety has been our priority for more than 30 years, and we enforce strict compliance with FDA food safety guidelines among our growers."
The CDC reports about 1.35 million Salmonella infections annually across the U.S., making it a prevalent foodborne illness. It can spread through contaminated food and water, emphasizing the importance of proper food handling and hygiene practices.
Currently, health officials continue to track the outbreak and monitor reported illnesses as new data emerges. For updates on the recall and safety guidance, consumers can check the FDA and CDC websites.
To date, no deaths have been reported due to this Salmonella outbreak, but the number of cases indicates the potential severity of the situation. Consumers are reminded to remain vigilant and to seek medical attention if they experience any severe symptoms following consumption of potentially tainted cucumbers.
