Overview
- The FDA and CDC have identified cucumbers grown in Mexico and distributed by SunFed Produce as the source of a salmonella outbreak affecting 19 U.S. states and parts of Canada.
- Retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Wegmans, Albertsons, and Costco have issued recalls of various cucumber products sold between October 12 and November 27.
- 68 cases of salmonella infection and 18 hospitalizations have been reported, with symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps; no deaths have been recorded so far.
- Consumers are advised to discard or return recalled products, including whole cucumbers, pre-cut slices, salads, and sushi items, and to sanitize surfaces that came into contact with them.
- The outbreak highlights ongoing safety concerns in food production, as salmonella contamination can result from unsanitary handling or contaminated irrigation water.