Fresh Start Produce Recalls Whole Cucumbers For Salmonella Risk

Delray, Florida-based Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. is recalling whole cucumbers citing potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the U.S Food and Drug Administration. The recalled ...

RTT Staff Writer•Monday, June 3, 2024•2 min read

Delray, Florida-based Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. is recalling whole cucumbers citing potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the U.S Food and Drug Administration.

The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 – 2.0 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long. They were shipped in bulk cartons from May 17 through May 21, directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in certain states.

The impacted cucumbers were sold in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Meanwhile, mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in the recall.

The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria. The FDA said it is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if the sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, while infection with Salmonella in rare circumstances can cause more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

Consumers are asked to destroy and discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

In recent recalls due to Salmonella infection, Aldi and three other regional retailers Hornbacher’s, Hy-Vee and Schnucks in mid May recalled cream cheese products after their cream cheese products supplier Schreiber Foods, Inc. called back four varieties of cream cheese spread.

Ontario, California-based Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc. also recalled Yogurt Covered Pretzels for the same concern.

Miami, Florida-based Infinite Herbs LLC in late April called back select fresh organic basil after the FDA notified the company that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC has reported that 12 Salmonella illnesses are likely related to these products.

In late May, the CDC announced an outbreak of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry flocks in 29 US states, where 109 people fell sick after touching or caring for backyard poultry.

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