Federal authorities are urging consumers to check their cucumbers following a salmonella outbreak linked to imports from Mexico, affecting 68 people across 19 states.
At a Glance
- 68 people infected; 18 hospitalized across 19 states.
- Outbreak tied to cucumbers grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico.
- Cucumbers sold by distributors like SunFed Produce are under recall.
- Consumers should discard recalled cucumbers and sanitize affected areas.
Salmonella Outbreak Origin and Impact
The salmonella outbreak has been traced back to cucumbers imported from Sonora, Mexico, by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. At least 68 individuals have fallen ill, with 18 requiring hospitalization. The affected cucumbers were distributed under brands such as SunFed Produce, Baloian Farms, and Russ Davis Wholesale, spanning across 26 states including California, Texas, and New York. The current situation elevates concern, as young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to severe symptoms.
Federal agencies, the CDC and FDA are in collaboration, diligently working to identify and curb the source of this outbreak. They have issued advisories, instructing consumers to refrain from consuming the contaminated cucumbers. Consumers should also ensure their vegetables, especially cucumbers labeled “SunFed Mexico” or packaged in PamPak branded bags, are disposed of appropriately to mitigate further health risks.
Salmonella Outbreak: 68 people are sick in 19 states, with 18 hospitalizations.
Check your home for recalled whole fresh American cucumbers. Do not eat recalled products and throw them away. https://t.co/X8ssOsN0lq pic.twitter.com/BZFXeyuz8n
— CDC (@CDCgov) November 29, 2024
Measures for Public Safety
SunFed Produce, one of the primary distributors, has proactively recalled all sizes of its “whole fresh American cucumbers.” Craig Slate, president of SunFed, emphasized the company’s commitment to consumer safety, stating they have “immediately acted to protect consumers” and are “working closely with authorities and the implicated ranch to determine the possible cause.”
The FDA also echoes the urgency, highlighting that SunFed Produce, along with other companies involved, are cooperating fully to address the issue. Among the recalled products are Crazy Fresh and Quick & Easy salads and wraps, which potentially contain the contaminated cucumbers. Authorities are continuing their investigation to prevent a recurrence and to ensure public health safety.
⚠️ #Recall Alert: SunFed Produce is recalling cucumbers sold in bulk after tests showed the product could be linked to a salmonella outbreak that sickened 68 people and hospitalized 18 people across 19 states, according to the CDC. https://t.co/F635w1Tge6
— Consumer Reports (@ConsumerReports) December 2, 2024
Advisory and Consumer Action
To combat the spread of infection, it is advised that consumers purge their stocks of the mentioned cucumbers and adhere to guidelines provided by health agencies. This includes ensuring proper sanitation in areas where the cucumbers were stored or prepared. Public awareness is critical, as highlighted by federal agencies urging the public against consumption of potentially contaminated products.
“Federal officials are urging people not to eat recalled cucumbers, as well as salads and wraps that could contain the product, amid an investigation into an outbreak of salmonella that has sickened at least 68 people in 19 U.S. states and sent 18 to the hospital.” – Food and Drug Administration
The recall remains in effect for cucumbers sold between October 12 and November 26, emphasizing the need for vigilance among consumers. Through continued evaluation and public cooperation, it is anticipated that this outbreak can be contained and resolved without further incident.
