SunFed initiated a recall after the Food and Drug Administration notified SunFed that its cucumbers were associated with reported salmonellosis illnesses between Oct. 12 and Nov. 15.
As of Nov.26, a total of 68 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella had been reported from 19 states. Of the 50 people for whom information is available, 18 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
SunFed Produce LLC is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name, “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.,” (see here for photos). The recalled cucumbers were sold from Oct. 12, 2024, through Nov. 26, and are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The whole fresh American cucumbers were sold by SunFed and other importers and shipped to customers located in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
The cucumbers would have reached consumers through foodservice and retail outlets that may be located in states other than those listed above.
The individual whole American cucumbers may also have a PLU sticker. Consumers should take the following actions:
• Check to see if you have recalled whole fresh American cucumbers (photo below)
• Anyone with the recalled product in their possession should not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products, We also encourage them to clean and sanitize surfaces that could have come into contact with the recalled product to reduce cross-contamination.
• Recalled products should be thrown out or destroyed so they may not be consumed or returned to the point of purchase.
• Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled product are advised to contact their retailer.
• If you think you have consumed a recalled product and do not feel well, contact your healthcare provider.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled cucumbers and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
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