According to the FDA, bulk cartons of whole cucumbers have been recalled by Delray, Florida-based Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., because the products may be contaminated with the organism Salmonella.
Healthy individuals with a Salmonella infection typically experience short-term symptoms like fever, (potentially bloody) diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and pain of the abdomen. Those with weakened immune systems, like young children or frail and elderly people, may suffer more serious infections that could turn fatal. In rarer scenarios, in the event that the organism enters the bloodstream, those infected with Salmonella may be subjected to more advanced illnesses like arterial infections (infected aneurysms, etc), endocarditis, and arthritis.
Announced by Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. on May 31, 2024, the recall covers whole cucumbers that were sent to retail distributions, wholesale partners, and food service distributors between May 17th and May 21st, across 14 U.S. states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Consumers should be aware that the product appears dark green and measures about 1.5 to 2.0 inches in diameter, and anywhere between 5 to 9 inches long. The recall does not cover mini and English cucumbers.
Officials first took action after receiving a notification form the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture about a product sample that yielded a positive result for the Salmonella bacteria. An FDA investigation involving whole genome sequencing remains underway to determine whether the sample is connected to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak.
In addition to the press release issued to the public on June 1, 2024, the company says that it has since alerted impacted customers, who were instructed to remove the products out of commerce. Direct customers were also asked to notify their own customers about the recall. Fresh Start Produce Sales is also working to keep the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) up-to-date on its recall process.
While customers are no longer likely to encounter affected cucumbers for sale in the marketplace, those who may be in possession of the above items are urged to refrain from consuming them. The products should either be destroyed or returned to the point of purchase to receive a complete refund. It is advisable to consult with the suspected retailer or place of purchase to confirm whether the store sold recalled cucumbers.
If you have fallen ill or suffered an adverse health outcome that can be traced to a Salmonella contamination in a packaged food product, we would like to help you pursue fair compensation. Our skilled attorneys at TruLaw work tirelessly to defend consumer safety standards and hold responsible parties accountable. To learn about how we can support you in the next steps, contact us online or try out our free Instant Case Evaluation ℠.