A serious salmonella outbreak has been linked to cucumbers, causing sicknesses and hospitalizations across 23 states.
Federal officials are urging the public not to eat recalled cucumbers, as well as any salads, wraps, and party trays or meal kits that contain the cucumbers. The warning comes in the middle of a salmonella outbreak investigation after an outbreak sickened at least 100 people and led to 25 hospitalizations.
According to a CBS News report, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the illnesses began between Oct. 12 and Nov. 23. Officials say the true number of those sickened is likely to be much higher because most food-borne illnesses are not reported.
Details of the Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak Recall
Montana was the state hit hardest by this salmonella outbreak, with 17 cases reported, followed by Wisconsin with 12 and Colorado, Oregon, and Wyoming with eight each. Massachusetts, Texas, and Washington accounted for six cases, while California, Illinois, and Iowa reported three cases.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several companies have recalled whole fresh cucumbers grown in Sonora, Mexico, and sold by importers between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26.
SunFed Produce, Baloian Farms of Arizona Co., and Russ Davis Wholesale have all recalled cucumbers. The latter also recalled multiple products containing them, including ready-to-eat salads and wraps. The most recent recall involves Gyro Family Kits sold at Sprouts Farmers Market stores in 24 states with use-by dates through Jan. 7, 2025.
Beef & Lamb Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kits with use-by dates of Dec. 24 to Jan. 6, 2025, were distributed to Sam’s Club warehouses nationwide and are being recalled as the products contain tzatziki sauce with possibly tainted cucumbers, according to a notice posted by the agency on Dec. 6.
What to Do If You’ve Purchased Recalled Food
Discovering that you have purchased recalled food can be alarming. However, taking prompt action can help protect your health. First, stop consuming the recalled food right away. Check the recall notice to confirm that the product matches the details, including the brand, product name, lot number, and expiration date.
Follow the instructions provided in the recall notice. Some recalls recommend disposing of the food safely to prevent others from consuming it. Alternatively, the retailer may accept returns and provide a refund or replacement.
If the recall is due to contamination, watch for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop and inform your doctor about potential exposure.
Reach out to the company or retailer for further instructions. They may offer additional information about the recall. Sign up for food recall alerts from agencies like the FDA or USDA to receive timely updates.
Understanding Salmonella Infections
Salmonella infections, or salmonellosis, are a common foodborne illness caused by the salmonella bacteria. These infections can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, become life-threatening. Salmonella is often found in raw or undercooked foods such as poultry, eggs, meat, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Contaminated produce, processed foods, and even pet food could harbor the bacteria. Infections typically occur through consumption of contaminated food or water or contact with infected animals or people.
Symptoms of salmonellosis usually appear six hours to six days after exposure and include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Most cases resolve within four to seven days without treatment. However, severe cases may result in dehydration, bloodstream infections, or complications in vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Diagnosis is made through lab tests. While mild cases often resolve without medical intervention, severe infections may require antibiotics and intravenous fluids to manage dehydration and prevent complications.
Long-Term Health Effects of Salmonella
While most individuals recover from salmonella infections within a week, some experience long-term health complications that can significantly impact their quality of life. One of the most common effects is reactive arthritis, which may develop weeks after the infection.
This condition causes persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the knees, ankles, and feet. It can last for months or even become chronic.
Another potential outcome is post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is characterized by ongoing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits due to damage to the intestinal lining. Severe cases of salmonella can lead to bloodstream infections resulting in long-term complications such as infections in the bones, heart valves or other organs.
Dehydration during the acute phase of the illness may also cause acute kidney injury, potentially leading to lasting kidney damage. Additionally, some individuals report chronic fatigue following severe infections, likely due to inflammation or the physical toll of the illness.
Steps to Take If You Have Been Sickened by Tainted Food
Here are some steps you can take if you have become ill after consuming contaminated food:
Seek prompt medical attention. If you experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or dehydration, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Inform them that you suspect foodborne illness, as this can help them determine the course of diagnosis and/or treatment. Severe symptoms may require hospitalization. Undergoing tests and receiving a diagnosis are often necessary for successful legal action.
Preserve as much evidence as possible. If possible, keep the suspected food in its original packaging. Store it securely in the refrigerator to prevent further contamination. Take photographs of the packaging, including lot numbers, expiration dates, and any visible damage. Document your symptoms, medical visits, and treatments.
Report the incident. Contact your local health department to report the suspected foodborne illness. They can investigate the source and determine whether others have been affected. Reporting helps identify outbreaks and improve food safety regulations.
Inform the manufacturer. Notify the retailer or manufacturer about the issue. Provide details such as the name of the product, purchase location, and symptoms you experienced. They may issue recalls or conduct internal investigations.
Contact an experienced lawyer. If your illness leads to medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer with experience handling food illness cases. An attorney experienced in foodborne illness cases can help determine if you are eligible for compensation and guide you through the legal process.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/salmonella-sunfed-cucumbers-recall-symptoms/
