A Florida business is recalling entire cucumbers supplied to 14 states last month because they may be tainted with salmonella.
On Saturday, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted the Fresh Start Produce Sales statement on its website.
The recalled cucumbers were shipped to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia between May 17 and May 21.
The cucumbers are dark green, 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and 5 to 9 inches in length, according to the warning. Mini and English cucumbers are not included in the recall.
The recall was launched when the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture notified the firm that a product sample tested positive for Salmonella.
“The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing salmonella outbreak investigation,” the notification stated.
The FDA is investigating a salmonella africana epidemic that has sickened at least 141 individuals, but the product or items responsible for the infections have yet to be identified.
Salmonella infections can result in fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some people’s illnesses may be serious enough to necessitate hospitalization, and in rare situations, they might be deadly.
“Although these cucumbers are unlikely [to be found] in the marketplace, anyone with the recalled product should not consume it and should destroy and discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund,” the warning from Fresh Start Produce Sales stated.
“Consumers should check with their retailer or place of purchase to determine whether the recalled cucumbers were sold where they shop.”
The business stated that it had alerted consumers who had received the recalled goods directly and requested that they be removed from sale points and commercial operations. The business has also instructed its direct clients to warn their consumers of the recall.
Anyone seeking further information may reach the corporation at 1-888-364-2993, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.
Recalls are often issued when there is fear that a product may be hazardous to customers in some manner, such as if it is contaminated or if it is mislabeled and fails to disclose allergies.
