Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce is recalling all cucumbers sold under the “Limited Edition” brand label during Aug. 1 through Sept. 3, because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Since July 3, 285 people have been infected with Salmonella Poona in 27 states. Fifty-three ill people have been hospitalized, and one death has been reported from California.
Eleven illness clusters have been identified in seven states. In all of the clusters, interviews found that cucumbers were a food item eaten in common by ill people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
The cucumber that was recalled is a “slicer” or “American” cucumber. They’re dark green in color and 7 to 10 inches long.
In retail locations, cucumbers are usually sold in a bulk display without any individual packaging or plastic wrapping.
Consumers shouldn’t eat, restaurants shouldn’t serve, and retailers shouldn’t sell the recalled cucumbers, the CDC advises. If you aren’t sure if your cucumbers were recalled, ask the place of purchase or your supplier. When in doubt, don’t eat, sell, or serve them and throw them out.
Contact your health care provider if you think you may have become ill from eating recalled cucumbers. Most people infected with Salmonella develop the following signs and symptoms 12-72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria: diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Limited Edition cucumbers were distributed in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Further distribution to other states may have occurred.
The investigation by the CDC, states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is continuing.
