Is Louisiana Included in an Alert About Salmonella in Cucumbers?

SHREVEPORT, LA - The FDA is investigating a large-scale Salmonella outbreak dealing with cucumbers.

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What Is Happening?

The FDA report says "epidemiologic data shows cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella Africana and may be making people sick."

Sampling has identified Salmonella in cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce. The company has initiated a recall, but the latest tests show this might be more widespread than previously thought. The recalled products are already beyond shelf life and should no longer be available for sale to consumers in stores.

FDA investigators are trying to determine the source of contamination and what products are linked to illnesses.

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella?

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.

What You Should Do with Cucumbers Included in This Report?

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 should also clean and sanitize any areas that could have come into contact with recalled products. 

How Many States Are Included?

The FDA and CDC have found cases of this Salmonella Africana outbreak in at least 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 Recalled Product were distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The report says these products might have been distributed further, reaching additional states.

Some of the Fresh Start Produce cucumbers are grown in Delray, Florida.