Cucumbers are being recalled due to a nation-wide Salmonella outbreak. The recall was originally initiated earlier this summer, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention finally announced that the Salmonella outbreak is under control just this week. Unfortunately, cucumbers have become extremely popular over the past few months, as a TikToker named Logan found fame for sharing different cucumber recipes. Keep reading to find out more about this recall, including exactly which products were included in the recall.
Cucumber Recall
The Florida-based company Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc., initiated the recall back in May, with cucumbers being shipped to 14 different states across the US between May 17th and May 21st. The recall was announced voluntarily by Fresh Start Produce Sales on may 31st, and was reported by the US Food and Drug Administration on June 1st.
The affected cucumbers were shipped to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food distributors in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Salmonella Outbreak
Despite Fresh Start Produce Sales having only shipped their product to the above 14 states, 551 people in 34 different states have reported illness in relation to this recall. The 34 states impacted by this Salmonella outbreak include: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The source of the Salmonella infection was discovered to be from untreated canal water that was used by Fresh Start Produce Sales and potentially other growers as well. As of now, cucumbers are officially out of season and cucumbers that are on the shelves now are not affected by this recall.
@logagmTruly the best cucumber recipe ♬ original sound - Logan
Cucumber Recipes Go Viral On TikTok
Cucumbers experienced a rise in popularity this summer as TikToker Logan (@logagm) found fame sharing cucumber recipes on his social media page. Nearly every day he posts a new video of a new recipe using an entire cucumber that he slices with a mandolin. In each video, he slices the cucumber into a Tupperware container and adds different ingredients to the container before shaking it to mix and enjoying on screen.
Recipes range from Chicken Caesar Salad to Salmon Cream Cheese and Creamy Kimchi to California Roll, but one thing that remains constant in each recipe is one entire cucumber. If you've followed any of Logan's recipes this summer, make sure you weren't consuming any that were part of the recall.
What To Do If You've Purchased The Recalled Product
If you've purchased the recalled product and still have it in your fridge or freezer, do not consume it and dispose of it immediately. If you have consumed it recently, be on the look out for any abnormal side effects or symptoms, including fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, Salmonella infection can result in more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
If you're unsure if the cucumbers you've purchased are included in this recall, check with the retailer you purchased then from. Customers with any additional questions or concerns can contact Fresh Start Produce Sales at 1-888-364-2993 Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm ET.
