Health authorities, including the Food Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are actively investigating a widespread outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections associated with cucumbers. As of December 17, 2024, the FDA has confirmed that 100 individuals across 23 states have contracted the outbreak strain of Salmonella. Among the 90 individuals for whom data is available, 25 have required hospitalization, although there have been no reported fatalities. Notably, of the 67 people interviewed, 54 (81%) indicated that they had consumed cucumbers or were likely to have done so.
The affected cucumbers have been distributed to retailers and distributors throughout the country, prompting several companies to initiate recalls. The FDA is collaborating closely with these companies to assess whether further recalls of American/slicer cucumbers, processed cucumbers, and products containing the recalled cucumbers are warranted.
American/slicer cucumbers cultivated by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico, and distributed by importers starting October 12, 2024, have been subject to recalls by several companies due to concerns over contaminated products. An anouncment made November 27, 2024, following reports of illnesses linked to the cucumbers, issue a recall for all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers, packaged in bulk or generic containers, due to potential contamination with Salmonella.
The affected cucumbers, sold between October 12 and November 26, 2024, were distributed across various states in the U.S. and in several Canadian provinces. The recalled products, which bear the “SunFed” brand label or are in plain boxes with a sticker listing the grower “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.,” were sold through foodservice and retail outlets. States impacted include California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas, among others, and the product was also distributed to provinces such as Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.
Salmonella is a serious bacterial infection that can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While healthy individuals may experience mild to moderate symptoms, vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe illness or even death. In rare cases, the infection can lead to more serious complications like arterial infections and endocarditis.
SunFed initiated the recall after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the company of a possible link between the cucumbers and several cases of salmonellosis reported between October 12 and November 15, 2024. SunFed is working closely with the FDA and the implicated grower, Agrotato, S.A. de C.V., to investigate the potential cause of the contamination. No other products or farms supplying to SunFed are involved in this recall.
For more images visit: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cucumbers-november-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
