At least 68 people, including 18 requiring hospitalization, have fallen ill in a salmonella outbreak across 19 states, potentially linked to cucumbers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Friday.
The outbreak is under investigation, believed to be connected to cucumbers grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico, and distributed by SunFed Produce, an Arizona-based company, among other importers. No fatalities have been reported in connection with this outbreak.
The CDC is collaborating with state public health officials and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the infections, with the cucumbers reportedly sold in the United States and Canada.
In response to the outbreak, SunFed has recalled all sizes of the product labeled as “whole fresh American cucumbers.” Craig Slate, president of SunFed, stated the company has taken immediate action to protect consumers and is working closely with authorities and the ranch implicated to determine the possible source of contamination.
The recalled cucumbers were sold in more than half the states from October 12 to November 26, as listed by SunFed. These states include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, and many others.
SunFed indicated that contaminated cucumbers may have also reached consumers through retailers in additional states. The cucumbers were packaged in bulk containers labeled “SunFed” or in generic packaging with a sticker indicating the grower’s name. They were also sold in several Canadian provinces.
The CDC noted that the actual number of infected individuals could be higher than reported, and the outbreak might extend beyond states currently experiencing illnesses. The agency has advised consumers to look for a sticker indicating “SunFed Mexico” on cucumbers and to discard or return any recalled products.
Consumers are also encouraged to dispose of any cucumbers purchased between October 12 and November 26 if they are unsure of their origin.
Retail chains Wegmans and Walmart have informed their customers about the recall, with Walmart providing a list of affected stores and Wegmans confirming that recalled cucumbers are no longer available in their outlets.
This recall follows a previous salmonella outbreak in which contaminated cucumbers resulted in 551 illnesses across 34 states and the District of Columbia, traced back to cucumbers from Bedner Growers and Thomas Produce Company, concluding in late August.
Salmonellosis, the illness caused by salmonella bacteria, is commonly contracted through undercooked meat, but fruits and vegetables can also be sources of contamination. Potential contamination can occur from pathogens in soil or water used for irrigation, as well as from workers or unsanitary conditions in processing facilities.
It is estimated that 1.35 million individuals in the United States fall ill from salmonella each year. Infections can lead to symptoms including fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain that may persist for several days.