Rio Rico, AZ — SunFed Produce, LLC has issued a recall for all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers, packaged in bulk or generic containers, due to potential contamination with Salmonella. The company made the announcement on November 27, 2024, following reports of illnesses linked to the cucumbers.
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.
Consumers are urged to check if they have purchased the affected cucumbers. If in possession of recalled products, consumers should dispose of them immediately and avoid consumption. Surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers should be cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination. Consumers who are uncertain about the recall status of their cucumbers can contact their retailer for clarification.
Individuals who have consumed the recalled product and are experiencing symptoms are advised to consult with a healthcare provider.
SunFed is providing further information on the recall through a dedicated hotline at (888) 542-5849, available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST.
Craig Slate, President of SunFed, expressed the company’s commitment to consumer health, 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.” He also emphasized SunFed’s long-standing focus on food safety, noting that all growers are required to comply with FDA food safety standards.
For more details, consumers can visit the SunFed website or contact their local retailer.