FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine the source(s) of contamination and what products are linked to illnesses.
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Epidemiologic data show that cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella Africana and may be making people sick.
As part this investigation, sampling efforts identified Salmonella in cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. Although the firm initiated a recall, Whole Genome Sequencing analysis has determined that the cucumbers were positive for Salmonella Bareilly and do not match any ongoing outbreaks. The recalled product is beyond shelf life and should no longer be available for sale to consumers in stores.
The investigations are ongoing to determine the source(s) of contamination and what products are linked to illnesses.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually lasts four to seven days. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.
Status
Ongoing. FDA will provide more information as it becomes available.
Recommendation
- Consumers who purchased recalled cucumbers may be notified by their grocery store to discard recalled cucumbers. This product is likely past shelf life; however, if you cannot tell if your cucumber was included in the recall, do not eat or use recalled cucumbers and throw them away.
- Retailers and distributors that purchased recalled cucumbers should notify their customers of the recall.
- Retailers that have or had recalled product should clean and sanitize any areas that could have come into contact with recalled products. If recalled cucumbers were sold in bulk bins or displays, retailers should discard the contents of the bins and use extra care to clean and sanitize the bins before refilling.
- Retailers that are unsure if they received recalled product may need to contact their supplier. If you are unable to determine whether or not recalled product was received, you should discard the contents of the bins and use extra care to clean and sanitize the bins before refilling.
- Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra care in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with this product to reduce the risk of cross-contamination
- Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of a Salmonella infection.
Current Update
June 12, 2024
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections potentially linked to cucumbers.
Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC for the Salmonella Africana investigation, as of June 12, 196 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 28 states and the District of Columbia. Of the 85 people interviewed, 63 (74%) reported eating cucumbers.
CDC and FDA are also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup infections, with 185 illnesses in 24 states. The two outbreaks share several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred and the demographics of ill people. Investigators are working to determine whether the two outbreaks could be linked to the same food vehicle. Information will be provided on the source of the Salmonella Braenderup outbreak as it becomes available.
As part of the Salmonella Africana investigation, state partners in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture collected samples of cucumbers from several retail locations in their state. One sample supplied by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., of Delray, Florida, tested positive for Salmonella. The specific strain of Salmonella found on Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. recalled cucumbers was identified as Salmonella Bareilly and does not match any ongoing outbreaks.
The investigations are ongoing to determine the source(s) of contamination and what products are linked to illnesses. FDA will update this advisory should additional consumer safety information become available.
Map of Distribution for Recalled Cucumbers
Case Counts
See CDC Investigation Notice for Case Information for Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup
Recalled Product Distribution*: AL, FL, GA, IL, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states.
Useful Links
- CDC Investigation Notice
- Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. Recall
- Food Safety Tips for Retailers and Consumers During an Outbreak
- Food Safety Resources for Produce Shippers and Carriers During a Foodborne Illness Outbreak
- Who to Contact
- What is Salmonella?
Recalled Product
Previous Update
June 5, 2024
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections potentially linked to cucumbers.
Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC for the Salmonella Africana investigation, as of June 4, 162 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 25 states and the District of Columbia. Of the 65 people interviewed, 47 (72%) reported eating cucumbers.
CDC and FDA are also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup infections, with 158 illnesses in 23 states. The two outbreaks share several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred and the demographics of ill people. Investigators are working to determine whether the two outbreaks could be linked to the same food vehicle. Information will be provided on the source of the Salmonella Braenderup outbreak as it becomes available.
As part of the Salmonella Africana investigation, state partners in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture collected samples of cucumbers from several retail locations in their state. One sample supplied by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., of Delray, Florida, tested positive for Salmonella. Additional analysis is ongoing to determine the specific strain of Salmonella that was detected on the cucumbers and if they are linked to an outbreak.
In response to the positive sample, Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. has recalled cucumbers grown in Florida. English and mini cucumbers are not included in this recall. Cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. are from a variety of growers. The grower that likely supplied potentially contaminated cucumbers is no longer growing and harvesting cucumbers for the season.
The investigations are ongoing to determine the source(s) of contamination and whether these or other products are linked to illnesses. FDA will update this advisory should additional consumer safety information become available.
Who to Contact
Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.
To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can
- Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
- Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
- Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.
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