More than 150 people have been affected by a potential salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Tuesday, there have been 162 reported cases of illness across 25 states, including Washington, D.C., with 54 individuals hospitalized. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
The outbreak appears to be concentrated in Pennsylvania, Florida, Virginia, and New York. The CDC has cautioned that the actual number of cases may be significantly higher than reported, and the outbreak could extend beyond the states currently identified.
At least 162 people have reported illness — and 54 people have been hospitalized with salmonella — following a cucumber recall by a Florida producer, according to the CDC. https://t.co/xIEQOkCr4q
— ABC News (@ABC) June 6, 2024
In response to the outbreak, Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., based in Delray, Florida, has issued a recall for cucumbers they distributed from May 17 to May 21. The recall affects cucumbers sold in 14 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The cucumbers in question are approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter and 5 to 9 inches in length. The recall specifically excludes mini and English cucumbers.
The initial alert to Fresh Start Produce about the potential contamination came from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture after one of their cucumber batches tested positive for salmonella.
Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak…. Cucumber and Salad lovers….BEWARE…ck your fridge, careful at restaurant salad bars as well as salads that come with your meal. pic.twitter.com/J65McjlUTd
— 𝙂𝘼𝙏𝙊𝙍 🇺🇸 (@GOATPOTUS45) June 6, 2024
Although these cucumbers are believed to be mostly out of the market, consumers are advised to verify with local grocery stores if the affected products were sold. Those who have purchased the cucumbers are urged to either discard them or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.
Salmonella is known to cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. These symptoms can be particularly severe and potentially life-threatening for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In some rare instances, salmonella can also lead to more severe conditions, including arthritis.
Major Points
- Over 150 people have been sickened by a salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers across 25 states and Washington, D.C.
- The CDC reports 162 cases with 54 hospitalizations; no deaths have been reported.
- Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. has recalled cucumbers distributed in mid-May across 14 states.
- Consumers are advised to check with local grocers and return or dispose of affected cucumbers.
- Symptoms of salmonella include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain, with severe cases potentially leading to arthritis.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
