On November 29, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert regarding a Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers grown in Sonora, Mexico. This outbreak has been traced back to cucumbers from Agrotato, S.A. de C.V., including those distributed by SunFed Produce, LLC. These cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, potentially making people sick. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and a recall has been issued for the affected products.
As of December 2nd, 2024 the outbreak now includes recalls from Baloian Farms and Russ Davis Wholesale, in addition to SunFed Produce, LLC. The updated recall involves multiple products containing recalled cucumbers.
Fast Facts About the Salmonella Outbreak
- Number of Cases: 68
- Hospitalizations: 18
- Deaths: 0
- Affected States: 19
SunFed Produce, LLC. has issued a recall for all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers for retail or food service that were grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. The affected cucumbers were sold between October 12, 2024, and November 26, 2024. They were labeled with the “SunFed” brand or packed in generic white boxes or black plastic crates with a sticker showing the grower’s name, “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.” Additionally, some cucumbers may have a sticker indicating “SunFed Mexico” as the source.
What Consumers Should Do
If you have purchased cucumbers recently, especially during the period from October 12 to November 26, 2024, it is crucial to verify where they came from. Consumers are advised to do the following:
- Identify the Source: Look for labels or stickers showing “SunFed Mexico” or “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.” as the grower. If you are unsure of the source, do not take any risks—throw the cucumbers away.
- Dispose of Recalled Cucumbers: Do not eat any cucumbers that are part of the recall. Throw them away or return them to where they were purchased.
- Clean and Sanitize Surfaces: Wash any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers using hot soapy water or a dishwasher. This helps prevent cross-contamination.
Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Care
Most people infected with Salmonella experience symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms typically begin between 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria and may last anywhere from 4 to 7 days. Although most individuals recover without needing medical treatment, some people—particularly young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—may develop more severe symptoms that require medical attention.
You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience the following severe symptoms:
- Diarrhea that persists for more than 3 days without improvement.
- Fever higher than 102°F.
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Excessive vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down.
- Signs of dehydration, such as not urinating much, dry mouth and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up.
What Businesses Should Do
Businesses that sell or serve cucumbers should take action to ensure the safety of their customers. The CDC advises the following steps:
- Stop Selling Recalled Products: Do not sell or serve cucumbers grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V., including those distributed by SunFed Produce, LLC.
- Notify Customers: If possible, notify customers who purchased the recalled cucumbers to prevent further spread of illness.
- Clean and Sanitize: Thoroughly wash and sanitize all items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers.
Preventing Salmonella Infection
To help prevent Salmonella infections, it’s important to follow food safety practices consistently. These include washing your hands before and after handling raw produce, keeping raw food separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination, and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables under running water before eating.
Summary
The CDC’s alert about a Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers highlights the importance of staying vigilant about food safety. With 68 reported cases across 19 states and 18 hospitalizations, the recalled cucumbers are a serious public health concern. If you purchased whole fresh American cucumbers during the affected period, do not consume them. Instead, dispose of them safely, clean all surfaces they may have touched, and monitor for symptoms of Salmonella infection. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety, especially when the health of you and your loved ones is at stake.
Stay informed, stay safe, and be sure to take action if you believe you may have consumed or purchased recalled products. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your local health department or healthcare provider for more guidance.
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