Massive Salmonella Outbreak Triggers Multi-State Cucumber Recall

How to check if your cucumbers are part of the recall

Cucumbers | ©Image Credit: Lo/Pexels
Cucumbers | ©Image Credit: Lo/Pexels

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced on November 27th that SunFed Produce, LLC is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers. The affected products, distributed between October 12th and November 26th, are being recalled due to potential contamination with Salmonella.

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How Widespread is the Recall?

The cucumber recall is significant, impacting consumers across North America.

Initial Recall

SunFed Produce initiated the recall after the FDA linked the cucumbers to salmonellosis cases reported between October 12th and November 15th. According to AllRecipes.com, 68 people were infected, and 18 required hospitalization as of November 26th.

Affected Areas

The initial recall included cucumbers sold in 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, and Wisconsin. It also reached Canadian provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.

Expanded Recall

On November 29th, the FDA announced an expansion to include bulk cucumbers supplied by SunFed to Baloian Farms of Arizona Co., Inc. These cucumbers were shipped to California, Arizona, Texas, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Colorado, Kansas, New York, Massachusetts, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Alaska, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Potential for Further Spread

The FDA warns the produce might have reached even more consumers in other U.S. states and Canadian provinces through food service and retail outlets.

How to Recognize the Recalled Cucumbers

Consumers can identify the recalled cucumbers by their packaging and labels. The affected products may carry the SunFed or Pamela brand labels. Additionally, they could be packed in generic white boxes or black plastic crates with a sticker displaying the grower’s name, “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.” The recall also includes PamPak branded clear bags containing six cucumbers, identified by UPC 8 2540107010 6.

Individually sold cucumbers at retail stores may feature a “SunFed” UPC sticker with the origin listed as Mexico/Mexique and the PLU #4062. These American cucumbers are a slicing variety commonly found in grocery stores.

Photos of the affected bulk boxes, individual cucumbers, and additional identifying details can be viewed on the FDA’s recall page for further clarity. Consumers are advised to check these markers closely to avoid potential exposure.

Steps to Take If You’ve Purchased Recalled Cucumbers

If you’ve purchased cucumbers that match the recall description:

  1. Do Not Eat Them: Avoid consuming the recalled cucumbers.
  2. Sanitize Surfaces: Clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the cucumbers to prevent cross-contamination.
  3. Dispose of Cucumbers: Throw the recalled cucumbers away or return them to the place of purchase.

If you’re unsure about your cucumbers:

  1. Contact the Retailer: Call the store where you purchased the cucumbers for more information.
  2. Err on the Side of Caution: If you’re still uncertain, it’s best to discard the cucumbers.

For more information or questions about the recall:

  • SunFed Recall Hotline: 888-542-5849 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM MST)
  • Baloian Customer Service: 888-840-6642 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM EST)

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes a common foodborne illness known as salmonellosis. It is typically contracted by consuming contaminated food or water, particularly raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, or produce.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Symptoms usually appear 6 hours to 6 days after infection and can include:

  • Diarrhea (sometimes severe)
  • Fever
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache

Most individuals recover without treatment in 4–7 days, but severe cases may require medical attention, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

How to Minimize Risk

To reduce the risk of Salmonella infection:

  • Practice Proper Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, after using the restroom, and when handling raw foods.
  • Cook Food Thoroughly: Ensure meat, poultry, and eggs are cooked to safe internal temperatures.
  • Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.
  • Wash Produce: Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.
  • Refrigerate Properly: Store perishable foods at safe temperatures promptly.

For more detailed information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Salmonella information page.

Sources: FDA, All Recipes