In late November, SunFed Produce LLC recalled all sizes of their brand’s whole fresh American cucumbers grown in Mexico by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. This recall was due to a Salmonella outbreak that, by November 26, had made at least 68 people sick, with 18 needing hospitalization. The illnesses were reported in 19 states, predominantly in Montana, though the cucumbers had been distributed to 26 states and parts of Canada.
The FDA advised customers to dispose of any SunFed cucumbers purchased between October 12 and November 26. Following this, multiple other brands began recalling their cucumbers or products containing cucumbers related to the Salmonella outbreak.
In late November and early December, Baloian Farms of Arizona Co., Inc. and Russ Davis Wholesale voluntarily recalled all sizes of fresh American and slicer cucumbers also grown by Agrotato. These cucumbers were sold between October 12 and November 26. Baloian Farms distributed their cucumbers to various states, including California, Arizona, and Texas, as well as Canadian provinces Alberta and British Columbia. Russ Davis also recalled several products containing cucumbers distributed to both food service and retail customers across multiple states.
Starting Wednesday, various companies issued recalls for cucumbers tied to the initial SunFed recall. JFE Franchising, Inc. recalled certain Snowfruit and Snowfox cucumber products sold at Kroger stores in Texas, Louisiana, Wyoming, Arizona, and Colorado. Additionally, Walmart recalled its Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices sold in 34 Texas stores, which may have come from SunFed.
On Thursday, Supreme Service Solutions recalled specific grab-and-go products from Kroger and King Soopers stores in Texas and Colorado. Yummi Sushi LLC also recalled grab-and-go containers of cut produce sold at Kroger stores in Texas on the same day.
The exact cause of the cucumber contamination is unknown. According to a SunFed spokesperson, cucumbers outside the recall scope remain unaffected and are no longer in stores. SunFed is collaborating with the FDA and supply partners to ensure public health is protected.
Salmonella bacteria can cause salmonellosis, an illness that typically results from consuming contaminated food or drinks, or through contact with animals and their environments. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The illness can be more severe in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Food recalls often expand beyond the original scope, as noted by Darin Detwiler, LPD, a food safety expert and author. Further testing can reveal additional contamination or illnesses that were not initially known. Given the current recalls, vulnerable individuals should consider avoiding cucumbers for now.
