Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

Epidemiologic data show that cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella and may be making people sick. Testing identified Salmonella in a cucumber collected as part of this investigation, which resulted in a recall. Further testing showed the Salmonella from the cucumber was a different strain of Salmonella than the one making people sick.  CDC is not currently investigating an outbreak of illnesses with this strain. Investigators are collecting more information to see if other cucumbers are affected.

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. has recalled whole cucumbers.

• Cucumbers were sold in bulk in 24- and 32-count boxes directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in 14 states, but these sellers may have shipped to additional states or re-packaged them for stores.
  • Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
  • Shipped from May 17 to May 21.
  • Grown in Florida
• This recall does not include English cucumbers or mini cucumbers. Recalled cucumbers should no longer be in stores.

• Do not eat any recalled cucumbers. If you recently purchased cucumbers and have them at home, you can check with the store where you purchased them to see if they were part of the recall. If you can’t tell, do not eat them.
• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled cucumbers using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
    • Not peeing much
    • Dry mouth and throat
    • Feeling dizzy when standing up

• Do not sell or serve recalled cucumbers.
• Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled cucumbers.
• Stores can also notify customers who may have purchased recalled cucumbers using signs in stores or emails to customers.

• Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
  • Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.
  • Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.
• Some people—especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
• For more information about Salmonella, see the Salmonella Questions and Answers page.