From the Food and Drug Administration
Fresh Start Produce Sales has recalled cucumbers grown in Florida and distributed to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in AL, FL, GA, IL, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, and WV from May 17th through May 21st, 2024. This product should no longer be available for sale to consumers in stores.
The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5-2.0 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.
Although these cucumbers have resulted in a positive Salmonella sample result, the FDA has not linked these products to any ongoing outbreaks. Sample analysis is currently underway, and more information will be reported as it becomes available. The investigations are ongoing to determine the source(s) of contamination and what products are linked to illnesses.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually lasts four to seven days. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.
Stores Affected
The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk and 24- and 36-count boxes directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in AL, FL, GA, IL, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, and WV from May 17th through May 21st, 2024.
Status
Ongoing. FDA will provide more information as it becomes available.
Recommendation
Consumers who purchased recalled cucumbers may be notified by their grocery store to discard them. This product is likely past its shelf life; however, if you cannot tell if your cucumber was included in the recall, do not eat or use recalled cucumbers and throw them away.
Retailers and distributors that purchased recalled Fresh Start cucumbers should notify their customers of the recall.
Retailers that have or had recalled products should clean and sanitize any areas that could have come into contact with recalled products. If recalled cucumbers were sold in bulk bins or displays, retailers should discard the contents of the bins and use extra care to clean and sanitize the bins before refilling.
Retailers who are unsure if they received the recalled product may need to contact their supplier. If you cannot determine whether or not the recalled product was received, you should discard the contents of the bins and use extra care to clean and sanitize the bins before refilling.
Follow the FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra care in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with this product to reduce the risk of cross-contamination
Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of a Salmonella infection.
UPDATE:
In collaboration with state and local partners, the FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections potentially linked to cucumbers.
Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC for the Salmonella Africana investigation, as of June 4, 162 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 25 states and the District of Columbia. Of the 65 people interviewed, 47 (72%) reported eating cucumbers.
CDC and FDA are also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup infections, with 158 illnesses in 23 states. The two outbreaks share several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred and the demographics of ill people. Investigators are working to determine whether the two outbreaks could be linked to the same food vehicle. Information will be provided on the source of the Salmonella Braenderup outbreak as it becomes available.
As part of the Salmonella Africana investigation, state partners in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture collected samples of cucumbers from several retail locations in their state. One sample supplied by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., of Delray, Florida, tested positive for Salmonella. Additional analysis is ongoing to determine the specific strain of Salmonella that was detected on the cucumbers and if they are linked to an outbreak.
In response to the positive sample, Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. has recalled cucumbers grown in Florida. English and mini cucumbers are not included in this recall. Cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. are from a variety of growers. The grower that likely supplied potentially contaminated cucumbers is no longer growing and harvesting cucumbers for the season.
The investigations are ongoing to determine the source(s) of contamination and whether these or other products are linked to illnesses. FDA will update this advisory should additional consumer safety information become available.
