Recent Developments in the Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Cucumbers

Following the recent recall of cucumbers in the United States and Canada due to a salmonella outbreak, additional recalls have been issued, and the number of reported illnesses has increased.

Details of Recent Recalls

The initial recall announced by SunFed Produce on whole cucumbers sourced from Agrotato S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico, has been expanded. A subsequent recall from Baloian Farms in Fresno, California, involved Pam Pak cucumbers. On another front, Russ Davis Wholesale has removed several salad and wrap products from the market that contained cucumbers from Baloian Farms.

The products affected by the Russ Davis recall include:

• Crazy Fresh Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing
• Crazy Fresh Turkey Havarti Wrap
• Crazy Fresh Bacon Avocado Wrap
• Quick & Easy Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing
• Quick & Easy Bacon Avocado Wrap
• Kowalski's Market Garden Salad

These items were distributed to food service operations and retail stores across several states, including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The cucumbers from Baloian Farms were sold in packages of six or in boxes labeled as Pam Pak, with distribution occurring from October 12 to November 26. They reached various states, including North Carolina, California, Texas, and others.

Consumers are advised to dispose of any recalled cucumbers immediately and to clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with these products.

Current Status of the Salmonella Outbreak

As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 68 confirmed cases of salmonella infections linked to cucumbers across 19 states. Among those affected, 18 individuals have required hospitalization. Of the 33 patients interviewed regarding their food consumption, 27 reported that they had eaten cucumbers.

Montana has recorded the highest number of illnesses, totaling 16, followed by Colorado with eight cases and Oregon with seven. The CDC has identified clusters of illnesses at two assisted living facilities, three school districts, and one restaurant, indicating that multiple unrelated individuals consumed contaminated cucumbers at these locations.

It is important to note that the official case counts for salmonella infections often underestimate the actual number of illnesses, as many individuals do not seek medical care for mild symptoms. Salmonella infections affect approximately 1.35 million people annually in the United States, leading to around 26,400 hospitalizations and approximately 420 fatalities, according to CDC estimates.

Symptoms of salmonella infection typically include fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, lasting from four days to a week. The most severe complications are more likely to occur in vulnerable populations, including young children and elderly adults.

Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about food recalls and to take appropriate precautions to ensure food safety, particularly in light of this outbreak.