141 Sickened: Fresh Start Produce Recalls Cucumbers Amid Salmonella Scare—Check If Your State Is Affected?

A Florida company is recalling cucumbers sent to 14 states due to possible Salmonella contamination. Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling cucumbers sent from May 17 to 21, according to a notice published by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The cucumbers were sent in bulk cardboard boxes 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.

The recall began after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a sample of the product tested positive for the bacteria.

The recalled cucumbers are dark green, measuring approximately 1.5 to 2.0 inches in diameter and 5 to 9 inches in length. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.

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The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, amid an outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections that has sickened at least 141 people. 

Although the FDA did not provide information on the location of the sick individuals, it explained that Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers sent to certain states from May 17 to 21, 2024, due to the high likelihood of contamination with Salmonella.

The FDA continues to conduct whole genome sequencing analyses to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing investigation into a Salmonella outbreak.

Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract and can cause an infectious condition in contaminated individuals.

“Salmonella bacteria generally live in the intestines of animals and humans and are shed through feces. The most common way of infection in humans is through contaminated water or food,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

Groups that can present serious complications from Salmonella infection include young children, frail or elderly individuals, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea (which can be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Following the product recall, authorities consider it unlikely that these cucumbers are still on the market; however, consumers are urged to avoid consuming, destroy, dispose of, or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. They can also verify the information with their retailer or place of purchase to determine if the recalled cucumbers were sold at the location where they bought them.

Fresh Start Produce Sales notified customers who received the recalled product directly from the company and asked them to withdraw it from commerce. Additionally, it keeps the FDA informed about its recall process to ensure consumers are adequately alerted.