CDC Warns Cucumbers May Be Contaminated
ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday issued an investigation notice to state and local health departments regarding cucumbers that may be contaminated with salmonella africana.
To date, 162 people have become sick and 54 have been hospitalized after consuming cucumbers, and testing identified salmonella in a cucumber from Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.
The Delray Beach, Florida-based company has since recalled cucumbers grown in the Sunshine State that it distributed to retailers, wholesalers and food service companies between May 17 and May 21.
Further testing is underway to see if the strain found in the Fresh Start cucumbers is the same one making all the affected people sick.
Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.
Although these cucumbers have resulted in a positive salmonella sample result, the Food and Drug Administration has not linked these products to the outbreak. The investigations are ongoing to determine the source(s) of contamination and what products are linked to illnesses.
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating the outbreak in 25 states and the District of Columbia. Of the 65 people interviewed, 47 (72%) reported eating cucumbers.
According to the FDA, it, along with the CDC, is 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.
The CDC says if you recently purchased cucumbers and have them at home, check with the store where you purchased them to see if they were part of the recall. If you can’t tell, do not eat them.
The agency also recommends you wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled cucumbers using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms of salmonella including diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving, bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting or signs of dehydration.
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