Cucumbers Recalled in 14 States for Possible Salmonella

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Florida’s Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. has recalled whole cucumbers for potential salmonella contamination. The cucumbers were shipped to 14 states from May 17-21.

The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk directly 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 Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for salmonella, which prompted the recall. The FDA does not mention if any illnesses associated with the cucumbers have been reported. However, it is conducting whole genome sequencing on the affected cucumbers to determine if the contaminated vegetables are related to an ongoing salmonella outbreak.

How to Determine If You’ve Purchased Recalled Cucumbers

There are no identifying markers on the individual cucumbers, but the cucumbers in question were dark green, approximately 1.5-2 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long. Mini and English cucumbers are not included in the recall.

The FDA says the recalled cucumbers are not likely in the marketplace, but, out of caution, consumers who have recently bought cucumbers in one of the affected states can contact the retailer or place of purchase to ask if the recalled cucumbers were sold there. Additional questions can be addressed to Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. at 1-888-364-2993, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EDT.

For more information on salmonella, including symptoms, visit the CDC salmonella information page.