US Cucumber Recall: FDA Issues Warning Against Selling, Consumption of the Contaminated Plant Amid Salmonella Outbreak

Cucumbers in multiple states across the country are being recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to potential contamination by the Salmonella bacteria. As of June 2024, the federal agency, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has conducted an investigation into the ongoing US salmonella outbreak. The probe was launched after more than 100 cases were reported.

The outbreak has been reported in over two dozen states, including the District of Columbia. Earlier this month, the FDA investigated the potential source(s) of the contamination, including food products, connected with the illnesses. Salmonella is known as a bacterium that causes the infectious disease salmonellosis, with associated symptoms like diarrhea and fever.

US Cucumber Recall

In an updated report on Wednesday, June 12, the FDA announced that epidemiologic data indicate that cucumbers in some parts of the US may be contaminated with Salmonella Africana. As the number of sick people increases, the agency launched a US cucumber recall initiative, which includes the notification of consumers by their grocery store to discard the potentially contaminated green fruit.

In addition, the initiative also requires commercial retailers and distributors to inform their customers about the recalled cucumbers. Wednesday's FDA report also outlines a map of states where cucumbers are being recalled. Below are some of the states of concern:

Alabama
Florida
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Virginia

Also Read: Did Salmonella Outbreak Kill the Aztec Community?

Salmonella Outbreak in the US

In a separate report on Wednesday, the CDC provided data surrounding the current US salmonella outbreak.

In its latest investigation notice, the US health agency states that related illnesses have reached 196 cases with no human fatalities. Meanwhile, 68 hospitalizations were recorded in 28 states, higher than the previously reported 24 states on June 5.

The notice specified that the target batch of cucumbers were shipped to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors from May 17 to May 21 this year. Grown in Florida, the cucumbers may have been initially sold to at least 14 states but re-shipped to additional states, according to the CDC report. Most of the affected states are located on the East Coast.

What is Salmonella Caused by?

Salmonellosis is typically caused by the consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella-borne animal feces. Although the said bacteria live inside the intestinal tracts of animals, they can be transmitted through food. In the past, Salmonella has been detected in various food products, including fruits, vegetables, chicken meat, beef, pork, and even eggs. Related contaminations have been reported worldwide.

In the US, approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis has been reported nationwide, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the common salmonellosis symptoms are diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and cramps. Signs of the illness can start within 12 to 96 hours (even up to 2 weeks) following exposure. Health experts recommend rehydration, medication, or antibiotics as a necessary treatment against Salmonella.