The FDA has issued a recall of cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. due to a Salmonella outbreak that has affected over 20 people. The cucumbers were distributed to various establishments from April 29 until now, but the FDA is still trying to pinpoint where exactly they were sold.
The FDA has discovered that the cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages without proper labeling. The products were labeled as ‘supers,’ ‘selects,’ or ‘plains,’ making it difficult for consumers to identify them. A recent inspection of the cucumbers revealed the presence of Salmonella Montevideo, which matched samples from ill individuals. This is not the first time Bedner Growers, Inc. has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak, as they were also associated with a previous incident last year.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness in individuals who consume contaminated food or water, or come into contact with infected animals or their environments. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which can last up to seven days. Certain groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of developing severe infections.
As of Friday, 26 people across 15 states have been affected by the outbreak, with nine individuals requiring hospitalization. The FDA advises consumers, restaurants, and retailers who may have purchased contaminated products to clean and sanitize any surfaces they came into contact with. Any establishments in possession of affected cucumbers should dispose of them and inform their customers. The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing.
Maybe it’s just me, but this whole recall situation seems like a mess. The lack of proper labeling on the cucumbers makes it challenging for consumers to identify if they have been exposed to Salmonella. It’s important for everyone to be cautious and ensure they are not consuming contaminated products. Let’s hope the FDA can quickly resolve this issue and prevent further illnesses.
