Several batches of cucumbers and cucumber-related products have been recalled after being linked to a salmonella outbreak that has affected multiple U.S. states and sickened dozens of people. Here’s a breakdown of which products were recalled, where they were sold, and what to do if you purchased any of them.
In which states were the recalled cucumbers sold?
The cucumbers recalled due to the salmonella outbreak were sold at stores such as Walmart, Kroger, Publix, and Albertsons located in the following 15 U.S. states:
- Alabama
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
Which cucumbers were recalled due to the salmonella outbreak?
The first recall occurred on May 19 and involved cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, based in Florida, which were distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales. Since then, more retailers have initiated recalls of these products. Some of them include:
- PennRose Farms: Cucumbers packaged in 2.5-kilogram bags with Restaurant Depot and PennRose Farms logos, UPC code 841214101714, and lot numbers 48-122, 48-123, 48-124, and 48-125.
- Harris Teeter: Cucumbers with UPC 2040620000, large vegetable trays with UPC 7203689327, and small vegetable trays with UPC 7203689328.
- Kroger: Around 50 Yummi Sushi brand products, including sushi rolls and vegetable trays, were affected by the recall.
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- Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, LLC: Recalled products include 16 oz, 32 oz, and bulk 2.2 kg containers of marinated cucumber salad, with best-by dates ranging from May 11 to May 26.
- Walmart: The recall includes Marketside freshly sliced cucumbers with UPC 62969 and use-by dates up to May 24, 2025.
- Albertsons: Several stores removed Authentic Greek Salad, Readymeals Greek Salad, and Greek Salad from shelves, with sell-by dates from approximately May 20 to May 24.
- Publix: Recalled loose cucumbers as well as salads including watermelon, onion, and feta; spinach salads; and garden salads.
- Big Y Foods: Recalled all small and large sandwiches, 30-inch Super Subs, wraps, and paninis purchased on May 20 or 21.
What should I do if I bought recalled cucumbers?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers not to eat the affected products and to discard them immediately. It also recommends disinfecting any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with the cucumbers. Customers can return the products to the store where they were purchased for a refund.
What Is Salmonella?
According to Mayo Clinic, Salmonella is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals and is shed through feces. People typically become infected by consuming contaminated food or water.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
While some people infected with Salmonella may not show symptoms, many experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain within 8 to 72 hours after exposure. Most healthy individuals recover without medical treatment within a few days or up to a week.
However, in certain cases, diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration that requires urgent medical attention. If the bacteria spread beyond the intestines, it can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps (abdominal pain)
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Headache
- Blood in the stool
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How to Prevent Salmonella Infection
There are several ways to prevent a Salmonella infection and stop its spread to others. Key precautions include safe food handling, thorough handwashing, and avoiding raw or undercooked foods. These measures are especially important when cooking or caring for infants, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems.
Here are some steps you can take to avoid Salmonella infection:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, changing diapers, cleaning up pet waste, or handling raw meat.
- Do not eat raw eggs.
- If a recipe contains raw eggs (such as cookie dough, homemade ice cream, mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, or eggnog), ensure the eggs are pasteurized.
- Store raw beef, poultry, and fish separately from other foods in your refrigerator.
- When cooking, avoid placing cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat unless it has been washed.
- Thoroughly clean food preparation surfaces with soap and water.
- Make sure food is cooked to the appropriate temperature before eating.
- Refrigerate or freeze food as soon as possible. Leaving it out too long at room temperature can accelerate spoilage and bacterial growth.
