Cucumber Recall in 14 States Raises Salmonella Concerns
A Florida-based company, Fresh Start Produce Sales, has issued a recall on whole cucumbers that were distributed to 14 states due to potential salmonella contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted the announcement on its website, alerting consumers to the possible health risk associated with the cucumbers. The affected states include 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 dark green, 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and 5 to 9 inches long, excluding mini cucumbers and English cucumbers from the recall.
The recall was prompted by a positive salmonella test result on a product sample reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The FDA is currently conducting further testing to determine if this sample is linked to an ongoing outbreak of salmonella africana that has impacted at least 141 individuals. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, with severe cases potentially requiring hospitalization and posing fatal risks.
Fresh Start Produce Sales advises consumers who may have purchased the recalled cucumbers to refrain from consuming them and either discard the product or return it to the point of purchase for a refund. The company has notified its customers directly and urged them to remove the recalled cucumbers from sale locations. Consumers are encouraged to verify with their retailers if the affected cucumbers were sold at their preferred shopping destinations.
For additional information or inquiries regarding the recall, individuals can contact Fresh Start Produce Sales at 1-888-364-2993 during business hours from Monday to Friday. Recalls are typically initiated when there are concerns about potential harm to consumers, such as contamination or undisclosed allergens in products. Recent recalls have included ground beef, ice cream, and pies, emphasizing the importance of food safety and vigilance in product consumption.
