Cucumbers Recalled Amid Salmonella Outbreak: Health Alert for Consumers

SunFed Produce, LLC has issued an urgent recall of its whole fresh American cucumbers following a potential link to a salmonella outbreak that has already affected individuals across 19 states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

These cucumbers were sold in various sizes from October 12 to November 26, as per a notice from the CDC. As it stands, there are 68 reported cases associated with this outbreak, one of which originates from Pennsylvania and another from New Jersey, alongside 18 hospitalizations. Thankfully, to date, no fatalities have been reported.

The implicated cucumbers were grown in Sonora, Mexico, and made available in bulk cardboard containers intended for both retail and food service. They are marked with the “SunFed” label or can be found in generic white boxes and black plastic crates featuring a label from the grower, “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.” These cucumbers might also carry a sticker stating “SunFed Mexico.” For a detailed view of the recalled products, the FDA offers visual references online.

Anyone in possession of these cucumbers is strongly advised not to consume them. Consumers should either throw them away or return them to point of purchase. Additionally, it is essential to thoroughly wash any surfaces or items that may have come in contact with them.

Craig Slate, president of SunFed, expressed his commitment to consumer safety, stating, “As soon as we learned of this issue, we immediately acted to protect consumers. We are working closely with authorities and the implicated ranch to determine the possible cause. Food safety and consumer health have been our priorities for over 30 years. We expect all of our growers to comply strictly with FDA standards.”

Salmonella infection can lead to severe sickness, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children and the elderly. Healthy individuals may experience symptoms including fever, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain within six hours to six days after exposure. Those experiencing severe symptoms are urged to seek medical attention.