A recent salmonella outbreak, linked to cucumbers grown in Sonora, Mexico, has prompted a widespread recall of the produce, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has resulted in at least 68 confirmed cases of illness across 19 states, with 18 hospitalizations reported between mid-October and mid-November. The CDC notes that the actual number of cases may be much higher, as many individuals recover without seeking medical attention or being tested.
The infections have been reported in states including Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and Massachusetts, with Montana experiencing the highest number of cases at 16. The CDC has cautioned that the outbreak may not be limited to these states, as the cucumbers were distributed more broadly and could have been sold or served in locations not yet identified. This widespread distribution has heightened concerns about the potential reach of the contaminated produce.
In response to the outbreak, multiple companies have issued recalls for cucumbers sourced from the implicated farm. SunFed recalled all sizes of whole fresh cucumbers sold in bulk between October 12 and November 26. Other brands, such as Pamela or Pam Pak, also issued recalls for their whole fresh cucumbers during the same period. Russ Davis Wholesale recalled several Crazy Fresh and Quick & Easy branded salad and wrap products containing the cucumbers, as well as Kowalski’s Market Garden Salad. These items were distributed across 35 states, underscoring the scale of the recall.
The FDA has advised consumers to remain vigilant, even if they do not live in the states where illnesses have been reported. The affected cucumbers were sold at major retailers, including Walmart, Costco, Target, and Wegmans, and appeared in prepared vegetable and salad trays at stores such as Albertsons-Safeway. The produce may also have been used by food service providers, further increasing the likelihood of exposure.
Public health officials are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and discard any cucumbers or prepared food products that may be part of the recall. Retailers and food service providers are also advised to review their supply chains and remove any affected products. With the outbreak’s far-reaching impact, the CDC and FDA continue to monitor the situation and encourage proactive measures to prevent further illnesses.
